Less than two weeks before the 90-day countdown begins for holding the general election, a number of contentious political issues remain unresolved.

Internal rifts emerged in the leaderships of the Bangladesh National Awami Party (NAP) and National Democratic Party (NDP), soon after the two parties had severed ties with the BNP-led 20-party alliance.

The BNP has found itself in an awkward situation again. After weeks of talks and tough negotiations, the party just managed to bring together Dr Kamal Hossain's Gonoforum and three other parties and launch a new alliance, called Jatiya Oikyafront, on Saturday.

Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda yesterday said the overall atmosphere ahead of the upcoming parliamentary election was “satisfactory”.

The Awami League and the BNP, who lead the two major alliances, may not have much to offer their own leaders in the parliamentary polls if they want to keep their partners happy.

An election commissioner yesterday walked out of the election preparatory meeting for what he said was not being allowed to speak on how to hold the 11th parliamentary polls in a free, fair, and inclusive manner. Mahbub Talukder also submitted a “note of dissent” before leaving the Election Commission meeting, held at the Nirbachon Bhaban in the capital's Agargaon with Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda in the chair.

Thirteen years ago, the then Election Commission, led by Justice MA Aziz, got itself caught up in a controversy by inviting 116 political parties to talks over preparing the voter list.

There is still scope for dialogue with the Sampadak Parishad (Editors' Council) about the Digital Security Act, said Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu yesterday.

The Election Commission is going to hold a meeting today to discuss preparations for the 11th National Election likely to be held in late December.

Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu yesterday said discussion with the Sampadak Parishad (Editors' Council) on the newly enacted Digital Security Act was not over.

After weeks of talks and intense negotiations, the BNP and three other political parties formally launched an alliance called Jatiya Oikyo Front yesterday, just months before the national election. The alliance, which also includes Dr Kamal Hossain-led Jatiya Oikya Prokriya, unveiled an 11-point goals and promised to bring sweeping reforms in governance if voted to power. "We are making the call for a national unity in the interest of the nation, not for any particular political party. We expect others to join the Jatiya Oikya Front," Dr Kamal told a press conference at the Jatiya Press Club last evening.

Law Minister Anisul Huq yesterday said time for discussion on the Digital Security Act is not over yet.

As the BNP and Juktofront negotiate forging a “greater unity”, disagreements persist over bringing checks and balances if the parties involved assume office.

Juktofront, a platform of three political parties that played a crucial role in forging “greater national unity”, wants a sweeping change in the current winner-take- all system in politics.

Jatiya Party Chairman HM Ershad will have the sole authority to make any decision over the party's participation in the upcoming parliamentary elections.

In a bid to strengthen the party ahead of the next general election, the BNP high-ups have launched an initiative to reinstate expelled leaders and reformists who became politically inactive after the 1/11 changeover.

Two of the country’s most prominent political parties are gearing up for the upcoming 11th national elections on December 30. In that light, let us take a look at the Awami League and BNP candidates facing off against each other.