Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh Bangladesh's spokesperson and presidium member, Mahi B Choudhury, has candidly acknowledged that the party's decision to join the Awami League-led coalition in the 2018 election was a strategic misstep.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday (24 December) afternoon at the party's Baridhara office, he admitted the move compromised the party’s ideals and alienated its support base.
"The decision to compromise our ideals and participate in the election under the Awami League-led alliance was a mistake," Choudhury remarked.
"As the party spokesperson, I accept full responsibility for this erroneous judgment."
Choudhury noted that the alliance's decision negatively impacted both his personal reputation and the standing of Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh.
He observed that young reformists and change-seeking citizens viewed the move as opportunistic, resulting in diminished trust in his leadership and the party's popularity.
Reflecting on the aftermath of the alliance, Choudhury said, "It became evident shortly after the 2018 election that maintaining an ideological alignment with the Awami League was nearly impossible. Throughout the government’s tenure, there were no formal or informal meetings between Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh and the ruling party, nor did our central leaders attend any government or prime ministerial events. We regret not taking a firm opposition stance sooner and express our sincere apologies for this failure."
Highlighting the lessons learned, Choudhury emphasised that the 2024 election was a corrective step for Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh. Unlike in 2018, the party refrained from any negotiations or compromises with the ruling Awami League.
"Our objective in the 2024 election was not victory at any cost but rather a return to our distinct political identity and principles. A loss with dignity in 2024 is far more honourable than the ignoble victory of 2018," he stated.
At the press conference, Choudhury shared a nine-point directive issued by Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh’s founder, Professor B Choudhury, just three weeks before his passing.
These directives aim to guide the party’s future as a cohesive and principled political entity:
Generational Transition: The party must undergo significant constitutional reforms every 20 years to transfer leadership to the next generation formally.
Single-Unit Party Structure: Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh will function as an integrated organisation, prioritising collective and programmatic leadership over individual authority.
Foundational Philosophy: The party's vision will rest on three pillars: spiritual connection, reflecting generational aspirations, and striving for Gross National Happiness (GNH).
Visible Political Culture: Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh aims to establish a peaceful and inclusive political culture in the public sphere.
Inclusive Language: Political discourse will be respectful, inclusive, and non-violent at all levels.
Non-Violent Approach: The party is committed to a peaceful and aesthetic political movement, presenting itself as a cultural revolution.
Self-Financed Operations: Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh will operate solely on contributions from its members, ensuring financial independence.
Rejecting Muscle Power: The party will abstain from any form of coercion or display of authority, upholding democratic principles.
Merit-Based Leadership: Leadership positions will be democratically accessible to all members, rejecting dynastic politics.
Mahi B Choudhury reiterated that without adhering to these principles and rejuvenating its ideological stance, Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh risks losing relevance among the current generation.
He concluded, "We aim to emerge as a symbol of hope and reform, representing a peaceful and inclusive political movement for Bangladesh."
