The three major opposition, parties do not see a formal alliance among themselves in immediate future, but the latest developments in Jatiya Party have added new dimensions to their plans.

A key player in the process has even suggested an electoral alliance among the three to face the next general election.

For the past few days, BNP, Jatiya Party and Jamaat-e-Is-lami have been in touch with one another, discussing a possible common agenda.

While they agree on such common goals as a mid-term election, there are still issues that remain to be sorted out. For instance, they do not agree on how to go about the local government elections.

BNP, according to indications so far, is willing to fight the four mayoral elections under the Awami League administration, but has reservations about the upazila polls under a

party government.

On the other hand, Jatiya Party wants all local elections under caretaker administration. Jamaat and other smaller groups in the Seven-Party Alliance support the BNP view on the issue.

"/in immediate opposition coalition may not be the reality now but parleys are on to find out a formula on the local electoral Battle,” said a key player in the recent opposition developments.

"Yet, negotiation is also taking place to form an electoral alliance of these three leading opposition parties before the next general elections," said Kazi Zafar Ahmed, who returned to the mainstream JP only three days ago.

The JP leader is acting as a go-between in negotiations with BNP.

"If so happens," said Kazi Zafar. "there will be a liaison committee to steer opposition

agitation leading to the next general elections."

As an immediate result, according to insiders, the current polarisation may produce three separate groups — BNP and its small allies, JP and Jamaat-e-Islami. As regards already agreed common agenda, these three are expected to move ahead simultaneously on the streets.

Mid-term election aside, a new-look Electipn Commission is another common target, which they say is necessary to "ensure fairness in all future elections."

Is it possible that the three will form an alliance?

The now-defunct Zafar-led JP was part of the Seven-party combine, of which Jamaat is also a partner. But BNP is still undecided whether to welcome the stronger JP into the alliance fold.

“BNP has not yet decided on JP. But we welcome any party.

with similar objectives, to join our alliance. As the JP (chief H. M. Ershad) has promised to strengthen the current antigovernment movement by participating in it simultaneously, so it cam contribute to our movement." said Abdus Salam Talukdar, the BNP representative in the alliance liaison committee.

A BNP standing committee member. Talukdar said it was also a matter to be decided by the united JP itself.

With the departure of the JP faction from the Seven-Party alliance, he added, six other parties were now supposed to operate together.

Other BNP leaders are talking the Talukdar line.

"If JP goes by its words about anti-government agitation, then things will take its natural course. The party will have to find allies in the mainstream opposition parties to achieve the common goal of a mid-term

. election,” said Haris Choudhury, a BNP joint secretary gen-

"In that case, Ershad will have to accept the leadership of Khaleda Zia, the Leader of the Opposition in .Parliament," he said.

Meanwhile, according to JP leaders, the possibility of a Khaleda-Ershad meeting is also being examined. At least two close aides of Ershad see bright chances for such an event.

"Our leader has already made an indication to this end. And his indication is definitely based on some groundwork. Things are moving and efforts are on to bring the two leaders across the table," said one of them. Mainuddin Bhuiyan.

"Such a meeting may take place at home or abroad at a convenient time and place," said another aide of the former General.