During the 1990s, leader of the BNP Khaleda Zia formed a coalition against Ershad's military regime. 7 political parties joined Khaleda in this coalition.[1][2][3]
History
From 1983, Begum Khaleda Zia became the de facto leader of BNP.[4] Under her leadership the BNP formed a new anti-government alliance against the Ershad's military regime. It was named after the number of parties with it, 7-Party Alliance. BNP launched a massive anti-government movement after co-ordination with Awami League led 15-Party Alliance from September 1983.[5] In March 1986, Ershad declared that a national election would be held on 26 April. 7 party alliance and the left boycotted the election. Initially Awami League decided to boycott. But later participated in the election.[6]
The movement against Ershad started gaining growing from October 1990. The BNP led 7-party alliance, the Awami League led 8-party alliance and the Leftist 5-party alliance started a coordinated movement to over through Ershad from 10 October 1990 and declared a nationwide strike on that day.[7] The strike claimed 5 lives, including the three BNP activists who were rallying in front of the central office of the Jatiya Party when the Jatiya Party cadres opened fire on the crowd. On 4 December, the mass uprising took place and Ershad declared his resignation.[8]
Coalition partners
- Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)
- Jatiya Ganotantrik Party (JaGoPa)
- Progressive Nationalist Party (PNP)
- Bangladesh Muslim League
- Democratic League
- United Peoples Party
- National Democratic Party
- Communist Party of Bangladesh
- Gonosonghoti Andolon
- Jameate Ullame Islam
References