Dhaka, Dec. 6 -- A new multi-party political alliance is set to launch ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election, bringing together the Jatiya Party factions led by Anisul Islam Mahmud and Anwar Hossain Manju, along with several smaller groups.

Ruhul Amin Hawlader, secretary general of the Anisul-led faction of the Jatiya Party, said the alliance is expected to comprise 16 parties.

"We will formally launch the coalition on 8th of December. Leaders of all member parties will be present," he told reporters on Saturday.

The decision was made at a meeting on Nov 27 at Hawlader Tower in the capital's Gulshan area, where Hawlader was also appointed spokesperson for the new bloc.

A press conference to introduce the alliance will be h...