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{{Short description|Political party of Bangladesh}}
{{Short description|Political party of Bangladesh}}
{{Other uses}}
{{Other uses}}
{{Use British English|date=April 2016}}
{{Use Indian English|date=March 2026}}
{{More citations needed|date=February 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2025}}
{{Infobox political party
{{Infobox political party
| name = Communist Party of Bangladesh
| name = Communist Party of Bangladesh
| logo = বাংলাদেশ কমিউনিস্ট পার্টির পতাকা.svg
| flag = বাংলাদেশ কমিউনিস্ট পার্টির পতাকা.svg
| flag = South Asian Communist Banner.svg
| logo = South Asian Communist Symbol.svg
| colorcode = {{party color|Communist Party of Bangladesh}}
| logo_size = 150px
| colours ={{Color box|{{party color|Communist Party of Bangladesh}}|border=darkgray}} [[Red]]
| native_name = বাংলাদেশের কমিউনিস্ট পার্টি
| native_name_lang = bn
| abbreviation = CPB
| abbreviation = CPB
| president = Shah Alam <ref> [https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/politics/cpb-elects-shah-alam-president-ruhin-hossain-prince-gs]</ref>
| president = [[Kazi Sajjad Zahir Chandan]]
| general_secretary = Ruhin Hossain Prince
| general_secretary = Abdullah Kafee Ratan
| youth_wing = Bangladesh Youth Union
| student_wing = [[Bangladesh Students' Union]] (nominal)
| wing1= [[Bangladesh Trade Union Centre]]
| youth_wing = [[Bangladesh Youth Union]]
| wing1_title= Trade union wing
| wing1_title = Trade union wing
| foundation = 1971
| wing1 = [[Bangladesh Trade Union Centre]]
| foundation = {{start date and age|1968}} (as Communist Party of East Pakistan)<br />1971 (current form)
| split = [[Communist Party of Pakistan]]
| split = [[Communist Party of Pakistan]]
| ideology = [[Communism]]<br>[[Marxism–Leninism]]
| merged = [[Bangladesh Krishak Sramik Awami League]] ([[Second Revolution (Bangladesh)|1975]])
| ideology = {{ubl
| [[Communism]]
| [[Marxism–Leninism]]
| [[Anti-imperialism]]<ref>{{Cite news |title=Road march for Ctg against leasing out port begins |url=https://www.newagebd.net/post/Country/268379/left-parties-start-two-day-dhaka-ctg-protest-road-march |date=27 June 2025 |access-date=28 December 2025 |work=[[New Age (Bangladesh)|New Age]]}}</ref>
| [[Secularism]] ([[Secularism in Bangladesh|Bangladeshi]])
}}
| position = [[Far-left politics|Far-left]]
| position = [[Far-left politics|Far-left]]
| headquarters = Mukti Bhaban, 2 Comrade Moni Singh Street, Purana Paltan, [[Dhaka]], [[Bangladesh]] 1000
| headquarters = Mukti Bhaban, 2 Comrade Moni Singh Street, [[Purana Paltan]], [[Dhaka]]
| international = [[International Meeting of Communist and Workers' Parties|IMCWP]]
| international = [[International Meeting of Communist and Workers' Parties|IMCWP]]
| national = Left Democratic Front
| national = [[Democratic United Front]]<br />[[Left Democratic Alliance (Bangladesh)|LDA]]
| newspaper = Ekota
| newspaper = {{ubl|''Muktijoddha'' (1971)|''[[Weekly Ekota]]'' (1972–present)}}
| colours = {{Color box|{{party color|Communist Party of Bangladesh}}|border=darkgray}} Red
| colorcode = {{party color|Communist Party of Bangladesh}}
| website = {{URL|cpbbd.org}}
| website = {{URL|cpbbd.org}}
| country = Bangladesh
| country = Bangladesh
| native_name = বাংলাদেশের কমিউনিস্ট পার্টি
| seats1_title = [[Jatiya Sangsad|House of the Nation]]
| symbol = [[File:Bangladesh Communist Party logo.png|100px]]
| seats1 = {{composition bar|0|300|hex={{party colour|Communist Party of Bangladesh}}}}
}}
| seats2_title = [[List of City Corporations of Bangladesh#List of city mayors|Mayors]]
| seats2 = {{composition bar|0|1|hex={{party colour|Communist Party of Bangladesh}}}}{{efn|Except [[Chattogram City Corporation|Chattogram]], the mayoral post has been dissolved in all other city corporations of the country.}}
| seats3_title = [[List of City Corporations of Bangladesh#Councillors|Councillors]]
| seats3 = ''Post dissolved''
| seats4_title = [[District councils of Bangladesh|District councils]]
| seats4 = ''Post dissolved''
| seats5_title = [[Upazila Parishad|Subdistrict councils]]
| seats5 = ''Post dissolved''
| seats6_title = [[Union Parishad|Union councils]]
| seats6 = ''Post dissolved''
| seats7_title = [[List of municipal corporations in Bangladesh|Municipalities]]
| seats7 = ''Post dissolved''
| symbol = [[File:Nepalese Election Symbol Sickle.svg|80px]]<br />'''[[Sickle]]'''
| slogan = {{lang|bn|দুনিয়ার মজদুর, এক হও!}}<br />{{small|("[[Workers of the world, unite!]]")}}
| anthem = "[[The Internationale]]"
}}{{Independence of Bangladesh}}
{{Communism in Bangladesh}}
The '''Communist Party of Bangladesh''' ({{langx|bn|বাংলাদেশের কমিউনিস্ট পার্টি}}, abbreviated: '''CPB''') is the dominant [[Communism|communist]] [[List of political parties in Bangladesh|political party in Bangladesh]]. It emerged from the [[East Pakistan]]i wing of the [[Communist Party of Pakistan]] in 1968.
 
Following the [[Partition of India]], the Communist Party of Pakistan (CPP) split from the [[Communist Party of India]] (CPI), and its East Pakistani wing was formed. However, the geopolitical separation and socio-economic differences between East and [[West Pakistan]] led the East Pakistani wing of the CPP to form a separate '''Communist Party of East Pakistan''' ('''CPEP''') in 1968. The party actively participated in the [[1969 East Pakistan mass uprising|1969 mass uprising]] and [[Non-cooperation movement (1971)|1971 non-cooperation movement]] and organised [[NAP-Communist Party-Students Union Special Guerrilla Forces|a guerrilla force]] with the [[Bangladesh Students' Union]] and the [[National Awami Party (Muzaffar)]] during the [[Liberation War of Bangladesh]]. The party joined the [[Bangladesh Krishak Sramik Awami League]] (BaKSAL) and was temporarily dissolved in 1975. It played an active role in the [[1990 Bangladesh mass uprising|1990 mass uprising]], the [[2013 Shahbag protests]] and the [[July Revolution (Bangladesh)|2024 July mass uprising]].


The '''Communist Party of Bangladesh''' ({{lang-bn|বাংলাদেশের কমিউনিস্ট পার্টি}}) is a [[Marxism-Leninism|Marxist–Leninist]] [[communist party]] in [[Bangladesh]].
As a [[Marxism–Leninism|Marxist–Leninist]] organisation, the party is structured according to the principle of [[democratic centralism]] and has declared its objective as the "revolutionary democratic transformation of society and state". Following the [[dissolution of the Soviet Union]], the party adopted a more [[Progressivism|progressive]] and [[Democratic socialism|democratic socialist]] platform. Since 2018, it has been a leading member of the [[Left Democratic Alliance (Bangladesh)|Left Democratic Alliance]], a coalition of left‑wing parties. Kazi Sajjad Zahir Chandan has served as the party's president since 2025.


== History ==
== History ==
After the [[Partition of India|partitioning of India]] in 1947, during the [[Second Party Congress of the Communist Party of India|2nd Congress]] of the [[Communist Party of India]] in [[Calcutta]], the delegates coming from regions within the newly founded state of [[Pakistan]] (which included what now constitutes Bangladesh) met on March 6, 1948 in a separate session and decided to form the [[Communist Party of Pakistan]]. [[Nepal Nag]] became the General Secretary of the party.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Umar|first=Badruddin|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GT1uAAAAMAAJ&q=General+secretary+Communist+Nepal+Nag|title=The Emergence of Bangladesh|date=2004|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-597908-4|language=en}}</ref>
=== Background and formation ===
After the Partition of India in 1947, delegates from [[Pakistan]], including present‑day Bangladesh, attended the [[2nd Congress of the Communist Party of India|2nd Congress]] of the Communist Party of India in [[Kolkata|Calcutta]]. On 6 March 1948, they held a separate session and established the Communist Party of Pakistan, with [[Nepal Nag]] of [[East Bengal]] as its first [[General Secretary of the Communist Party|general secretary]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Umar |first=Badruddin |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GT1uAAAAMAAJ&q=General+secretary+Communist+Nepal+Nag |title=The Emergence of Bangladesh |year=2006 |volume=2 |publisher=[[Oxford University Press]] |isbn=978-0-19-597908-4 |language=en}}</ref>
 
The main base of the newly formed party was in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). This eastern unit was separated from the [[West Pakistan|western unit]] by nearly 2,000&nbsp;km of Indian territory. The geographical divide, combined with repression from the [[government of Pakistan]] and uneven development of democratic movements, led communists in East Pakistan to seek an independent centre for their activities. At its 4th Conference in 1968, held clandestinely, the East Pakistan Provincial Committee declared the meeting to be the 1st Congress of the Communist Party of East Pakistan (CPEP) and elected a Central Committee.
 
The party played a vital role in the [[1969 East Pakistan mass uprising|1969 uprising]] and the subsequent nationwide upheaval, including the [[Non-cooperation movement (1971)|non-cooperation movement of 1971]]. The CPB also actively participated in the [[Bangladesh Liberation War]]. A "[[NAP-Communist Party-Students Union Special Guerrilla Forces|Special Guerilla Force]]" under the direct command of the CPB, [[National Awami Party (Muzaffar)]] and [[Bangladesh Students Union]] fought against the [[Pakistan army]].<ref>{{cite news |script-title=bn:মুক্তিযুদ্ধের চেতনা রক্ষার শপথ ন্যাপ-কমিউনিস্ট পার্টি-ছাত্র ইউনিয়নের গেরিলা যোদ্ধাদের |url=https://www.prothomalo.com/politics/qwwl57yxys |work=[[Prothom Alo]] |date=13 December 2025 |language=bn}}</ref> Communists also took part in the other segments of the armed resistance fighters, including the [[Mukti Bahini]] and the new [[Bangladesh Army]]. [[Moni Singh]], the former president of CPB, was elected to the advisory council of the [[Provisional Government of Bangladesh]].
 
=== Independent Bangladesh ===
Following the [[independence of Bangladesh]] in 1971, the party adopted the name Communist Party of Bangladesh. It subsequently formed a [[National trade union center|Trade Union Centre]] to mobilise labour organisations along revolutionary lines. On 14 October 1973 the Gana Oikya Jote (Translation: 'People's Unity Alliance'; Bengali: 'গণ ঐক্য জোট') was formed, comprising the [[Awami League]], CPB and NAP (Muzaffar), with a view to prepare ground for establishing [[Socialism in Bangladesh|socialism in the country]]. At its 1973 congress in Dacca, the party adopted a new constitution and elected a 26‑member central committee, with [[Moni Singh]] as president and [[Mohammad Farhad]] as general secretary. The party merged into [[Bangladesh Krishak Sramik Awami League]] (BaKSAL) on 25 January 1975 under President [[Sheikh Mujibur Rahman]]'s "[[Second Revolution (Bangladesh)|Second Revolution]]" programme.


The main strength and activity of the newly constituted Party was in the province of [[East Pakistan]] (what is now Bangladesh). This eastern province was geographically separated from the [[West Pakistan|western province]] by almost 2,000&nbsp;km of Indian territory. Because of this wide geographical separation along with persecution by Pakistan government and uneven development of democratic movement in the two parts of Pakistan, the communists of East Pakistan felt the need to have an independent centre for further advancing their activities. The 4th Conference of the East Pakistan Provincial Committee of the Party, which met clandestinely in 1968, declared itself to be the 1st Congress of the '''Communist Party of East Pakistan''' and elected a Central Committee for the Party. With the emergence of Bangladesh as an independent state in 1971, this Party took its present name of '''Communist Party of Bangladesh'''.
On 15 August 1975, Sheikh Mujib was [[Assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman|assassinated]] by a section of the army, which ultimately brought the country under military rule. The CPB leaders and workers were victims of serious repression under the military government in 1975. The party leaders in the centre and at district levels were arrested, warrants were issued against many, and in October 1977, CPB was declared banned. In 1978 the ban on the party was, however, withdrawn, and its leaders were released. The CPB participated in the [[1979 Bangladeshi general election|1979 general election]]. As a member of the Oikya Front, the CPB endorsed Zuhayr Zimam in the [[1978 Bangladeshi presidential election|1978 presidential election]]. The CPB joined the 15-party alliance in 1983 against the military rule of [[Hussain Muhammad Ershad]] and participated in the [[1986 Bangladeshi general election|1986 general election]], where it secured five seats. The CPB played a vital role in the [[1990 Bangladesh mass uprising|1990 mass uprising]] against Ershad.<ref name=":0">{{Cite Banglapedia |article=Communist Party of Bangladesh}}</ref>


The Party played a vital role in the [[History of Bangladesh (1947-1971)#Emerging discontent, 1966–70|1969 uprising]] and also during the nationwide upheaval that followed it including the non co-operation movement of 1971. The CPB also actively participated in the nine months long armed struggle for independence of Bangladesh in 1971. A ‘Special Guerilla Force’ under the direct command of CPB-[[National Awami Party|NAP]]-[[Bangladesh Students Union|BSU]] fought against the Pakistani army. Communists also took part in the other segments of the armed resistance fighters including the [[Mukti Bahini]] and the new [[Bangladesh Army]]. [[Moni Singh]], the ex-President of CPB, was elected a member of the Advisory Council of the Provisional Government of Bangladesh.
In 1991, following the [[Revolutions of 1989|collapse of Soviet‑style socialism]] in Eastern Europe and the [[Soviet Union]], the CPB entered a period of internal discussion regarding its future direction. Party leaders were divided between those who favoured dissolving the CPB in favour of a new democratic platform and those who supported maintaining the party in its original form. This debate grew in 1993 when the two opposing groups arranged separate conventions in Dhaka. The [[Marxist–Leninist]] group, in their convention held on 15 June 1993, resolved in favour of the independent existence of the CPB and had their new central executive committee formed with Shahidulla Chowdhury as president and [[Mujahidul Islam Selim]] as general secretary. A [[Workers Party of Bangladesh]] [[Workers Party of Bangladesh (reconstituted)|faction]] merged with CPB in February 2010.<ref>{{cite news |title=CPB, Workers Party faction merge |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-128089 |newspaper=The Daily Star |date=27 February 2010}}</ref>


===Independent Bangladesh===
The party played a leading role in the [[2013 Shahbag protests]], demanding the trial of [[Bangladesh genocide|war crimes of 1971]]. During the [[premiership of Sheikh Hasina]], the party organised anti-government protests and boycotted [[2014 Bangladeshi general election|2014]] and [[2024 Bangladeshi general election|2024]]. The party actively participated in the [[July Revolution (Bangladesh)|July mass uprising]] in 2024.
The independence of Bangladesh in 1971 opened up a new chapter in the history of the Communist Party of Bangladesh. The Party began to work legally and openly. The Party formed a [[National trade union center|Trade Union Centre]] with a view to mobilizing trade union organizations and movements on revolutionary lines. A Gana Oikya Jote was formed on 14 October 1973 consisting of the [[Bangladesh Awami League]], Communist Party and National Awami Party (Muzaffar) with a view to prepare ground for establishing socialism in the country, and a Jote Committee was constituted consisting of 19 members with three members from CPB. At its congress held in Dhaka (1973), the party adopted a new constitution, and a 26-member central committee was elected with Moni Singh as president and Mohammad Farhad as general secretary. On August 15, 1975 President [[Sheikh Mujibur Rahman|Sheikh Mujib]] was [[Assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman|assassinated]] by a section of the army which ultimately brought the country under a rightist military rule. The CPB leaders and workers were victims to serious repression under the military government in 1975. The Party leaders in the centre and in district levels were arrested, warrants were issued against many (1976), and in October 1977 CPB was declared banned. In 1978 the ban on the party was, however, withdrawn and its leaders were released. The CPB participated in the general elections of 1978. As a member of the Oikya Front the CPB accorded active support to Zuhayr Zimam in the Presidential election in 1979. The CPB joined the 15-party alliance in 1983 against the military rule of [[Hussain Muhammad Ershad]]. The party participated in the [[1986 Bangladeshi general election|1986 Jatiya Sangsad elections]] and secured five seats. The CPB had a vital role in the movement to oust Ershad in 1990.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://en.banglapedia.org/index.php?title=Communist_Party_of_Bangladesh|title=Communist Party of Bangladesh |website=Banglapedia|language=en|access-date=2017-01-26}}</ref>


The CPB faced a great crisis in 1991 in view of the [[Revolutions of 1989|collapse of Soviet-style socialism]] in Eastern Europe, including the Soviet Union. The party leaders were divided into two camps, one in favour of dissolving the CPB and replacing it with a new platform on democratic lines, and the other in favour of maintaining the party in its original form. This conflict grew to be acute in 1993 when the two opposing groups arranged separate conventions in Dhaka. The Marxist–Leninist group, in their convention held on 15 June 1993, resolved in favour of the independent existence of the Communist Party in Bangladesh, and had their new central executive committee formed with Comrade Shahidulla Chowdhury as  president and Comrade Muzahidul Islam Selim as general secretary.
== Organisation ==
[[Proletarian internationalism|Revolutionary internationalism]] is a cardinal aspect of the party's policy principles. [[Democratic centralism]] is the guiding organisational principle of the CPB. The [[party congress]], which is convened every 4 years, is the supreme body of the party which elects a [[central committee]] accountable to it. The central committee is the highest organ of the party during the interval between the two congresses.


The [[Workers Party (Reconstituted) of Bangladesh]] merged into the CPB in February 2010.<ref>{{cite news |title=CPB, Workers Party faction merge |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-128089 |newspaper=The Daily Star |date=27 February 2010}}</ref>
The CPB has organisations in 62 out of the 64 [[Districts of Bangladesh|districts]] and 275 out of 520 [[upazila]]s in Bangladesh. The district and upazila committees coordinate and guide the activities of the zonal committees and the primary branches of the party. The party members are organised in these primary branches, The branches on their part organise "activist groups" which serve to prepare cadres for party membership. Besides party membership, the party also provides opportunity to include "associate members" from among supporters of the party.


== Ideology and organization ==
The party members and activists are working in trade unions and mass organisations of agricultural workers, peasants, women, students, youth, children, teachers, doctors, lawyers, professionals, indigenous national minorities and aboriginal, cultural organszations etc. In spite of relatively small number of party members and associate members, the party is capable of mobilising several hundreds of thousands of people through its influence in these mass organisations.
Revolutionary internationalism is a cardinal aspect of its policy principles. [[Democratic centralism]] is the guiding organizational principle of CPB. The [[Party Congress]], which is convened every 4 years, is the supreme body of the Party which elects a [[Central Committee]] accountable to it. The Central Committee is the highest organ of the Party during the interval between two Congresses.


A 51-member Central Committee was elected by the 9th Congress of the Party (August 2008). A 7-member Presidium including the President and General Secretary were elected by the CC. There is also a national council of 191 members which sits at least once a year to advise and help the CC in implementing the decisions of the Congress. The Congress also elected a 4-member Control Commission.
The main organ of the party is ''[[Weekly Ekota]]'' (Translation: 'Unity'; Bengali: 'একতা')
The CPB has organizations in 62 out of the 64 districts and 275 out of 520 sub-districts in Bangladesh. The district and sub-district committees coordinate and guide the activities of the zonal committees and the primary branches of the Party. Party members are organized in these primary branches, The branches on their part organise ‘activist groups’ which serve to prepare cadres for party membership. Besides party membership, the Party also provides opportunity to include ‘associate members’ from among supporters of the Party.
Party members and activists are working in trade unions and mass organizations of agricultural workers, peasants, women, students, youth, children, teachers, doctors, lawyers, professionals, indigenous national minorities and aboriginal, cultural organizations etc. In spite of relatively small number of party members and associate members (taken together they total 25,000), the Party is capable of mobilizing several hundreds of thousands of people through its influence in these mass organizations.


The main organ of the party is ''Ekota'', which is published weekly.
== Ideology and policies ==


== Strategy and tactics ==
=== Ideology ===
The CPB is working with a strategy of bringing about a 'revolutionary democratic transformation of society and state' with the ultimate goal of Socialism-Communism. The Party has put forward a 17-point program in consonance with this strategic goal of 'revolutionary democratic transformation'.
As a [[communist party]], the CPB is committed to [[communism]]. The party identifies with [[Marxism–Leninism]] and maintains a [[Class analysis|class‑based analysis of society]]. It is organised as a [[Vanguardism|vanguard party]] and pursues a [[united front]] strategy. It works with a strategy of bringing about a "revolutionary democratic transformation of society and state." The party has put forward a 17‑point programme in consonance with this strategic goal of "revolutionary democratic transformation".<ref name=":0" />


CPB is giving special attention to strengthen the Party and the mass organizations, increase cohesion among the communists and move towards communist unity, strengthen and expand the Left Democratic Front.
After the fall of socialism in Eastern Europe and the [[dissolution of the Soviet Union]], the party has continued to advocate for the advancement of the rights of the [[working class]], women, and ethnic and religious minorities.<ref name=":2" />


CPB has also been working to bring together left-wing forces to provide an alternative to the current two major parties. CPB took active part in setting up an 11-party combination has been set up with this purpose. However, in recent developments the rest of this alliance has aligned within the 14-party alliance led by the Awami League.
=== Foreign Policy ===
The party is known for regularly voicing [[Anti-imperialism|anti‑imperialist]] views, especially in its criticism of the foreign policies of the United States, India, and [[Pakistan]]. It firmly supports Palestinian independence and a [[One-state solution|one‑state solution]] and has voiced its opposition to the [[Gaza genocide]] by Israel.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=20 March 2025 |title=Stop Israeli aggression against Palestine: Palestine Solidarity |url=https://www.newagebd.net/post/country/260553/stop-israeli-aggression-against-palestine-palestine-solidarity |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251229175520/https://www.newagebd.net/post/country/260553/stop-israeli-aggression-against-palestine-palestine-solidarity |archive-date=29 December 2025 |website=[[New Age (Bangladesh)|New Age]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=21 September 2025 |title=CPB inaugurates 13th congress extending support to Palestine {{!}} The Asian Age Online, Bangladesh |url=https://dailyasianage.com/news/342717/cpb-inaugurates-13th-congress-extending-support-to-palestine |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251229174105/https://dailyasianage.com/news/342717/cpb-inaugurates-13th-congress-extending-support-to-palestine |archive-date=2025-12-29 |access-date=2025-12-29 |website=The Asian Age |language=en}}</ref>


==Electoral results==
The CPB expressed solidarity with the [[Palestinians|Palestinian people]] and condemned [[Israel Defense Forces|Israeli military]] actions in the [[Israeli-occupied territories|occupied]] [[Palestine|Palestinian territories]]. These statements called for an immediate end to [[Israeli war crimes|violence against civilians]] and urged the [[international community]] to uphold [[international law]] and protect Palestinian national rights. At a CPB rally in Dhaka held in response to the assault on [[Gaza Strip|Gaza]], the party described the attacks as a violation of [[Gaza ceasefire|the ceasefire]], attributed responsibility to broader imperialist forces, and accused the United States and its regional allies of supporting the offensive.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=29 Nov 2024 |title=Bangladesh a true friend of Palestine: Envoy |url=https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/bangladesh-true-friend-palestine-envoy-1005716 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20260102081104/https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/bangladesh-true-friend-palestine-envoy-1005716 |archive-date=2 Jan 2026 |access-date=2 Jan 2026 |website=[[The Business Standard]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=11 Oct 2023 |title=Political parties, organisations in Bangladesh protest at Israel attack on Gaza |url=https://www.newagebd.net/article/214647/political-parties-organisations-in-bangladesh-protest-at-israel-attack-on-gaza |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231016034232/https://www.newagebd.net/article/214647/political-parties-organisations-in-bangladesh-protest-at-israel-attack-on-gaza |archive-date=16 Oct 2023 |access-date=2 Jan 2026 |website=[[New Age (Bangladesh)|New Age]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=22 Mar 2025 |title=South Asian communists protest Israeli attacks on Gaza |url=https://www.eastpost.in/global-south/south-asia/2025/03/south-asian-communists-protest-israeli-attacks-on-gaza/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250810001605/https://www.eastpost.in/global-south/south-asia/2025/03/south-asian-communists-protest-israeli-attacks-on-gaza/ |archive-date=10 Aug 2025 |access-date=2 Jan 2026 |website=East Post}}</ref>


The CPB contested six of the first seven general elections (excepting only [[February 1996 Bangladeshi general election|February 1996]], which was widely boycotted). They won representation twice, 5 seats in [[1986 Bangladeshi general election|1986]] and 5 seats in [[1991 Bangladeshi general election|1991]].<ref>{{cite book |editor1-last=Nohlen |editor1-first=Dieter |editor2-last=Grotz |editor2-first=Florian |editor3-last=Hartmann |editor3-first=Christof |title=Elections in Asia and the Pacific: A Data Handbook |date=2001 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=0-19-924958-X |pages=543–544}}</ref>
The CPB also issued a message of solidarity with the [[Cubans|Cuban people]] and [[Politics of Cuba|government]], condemning the United States' economic, commercial, and financial [[United States embargo against Cuba|blockade on Cuba]] and calling for its lifting. The party criticised the impact of the blockade over more than six decades, including its intensification during the [[COVID-19 pandemic|COVID‑19 pandemic]] and Cuba's designation as a [[State Sponsors of Terrorism|state sponsor of terrorism]].<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=4 Nov 2022 |title=Communist Party of Bangladesh reiterates its solidarity with the Cuban people and government. |url=http://misiones.cubaminrex.cu/en/articulo/communist-party-bangladesh-reiterates-its-solidarity-cuban-people-and-government |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20260102062517/http://misiones.cubaminrex.cu/en/articulo/communist-party-bangladesh-reiterates-its-solidarity-cuban-people-and-government |archive-date=2 Jan 2026 |access-date=2 Jan 2026 |website=CUBADIPLOMATICA}}</ref>


The following have been the best results of the 1991 election:
==== International Engagement ====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="margin-left:-4px; text-align:left""
The CPB maintains contacts with foreign envoys and political parties. As part of these activities, the party has hosted meetings and participated in events involving representatives of several countries.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |date=26 Dec 2024 |title=Ambassador Yao Wen Meets with Communist Party of Bangladesh President Alam and General Secretary Prince |url=https://bd.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/dshd/202412/t20241226_11519677.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260102061459/https://bd.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/dshd/202412/t20241226_11519677.htm |archive-date=2 Jan 2026 |access-date=2 Jan 2026 |website=Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the People's Republic of Bangladesh}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite web |date=23 Sep 2023 |title=NA Chairman meets with President of Bangladesh |url=https://vufo.org.vn/NA-Chairman-meets-with-President-of-Bangladesh-14-53004.html?lang=en |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250208234123/https://vufo.org.vn/NA-Chairman-meets-with-President-of-Bangladesh-14-53004.html?lang=en |archive-date=8 Feb 2025 |access-date=2 Jan 2026 |website=Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations}}</ref>
 
In November 2024, Palestinian Ambassador Yousef S.Y. Ramadan attended a CPB‑organised discussion at the [[Jatiya Press Club|National Press Club]] in Dhaka marking the [[International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People]]. The event was presided over by CPB President [[Shah Alam (CPB politician)|Shah Alam]] and featured contributions from party leaders, civil society figures, and cultural organisations.<ref name=":3" />
 
The party met with the Chinese ambassador to discuss party‑to‑party relations and political cooperation.<ref name=":5" /> It also held a meeting with [[National Assembly of Vietnam|Vietnamese National Assembly]] Chairman [[Vương Đình Huệ]] during his official visit to Bangladesh, where the two sides discussed party‑to‑party relations, bilateral cooperation, and prospects for future economic and political engagement.<ref name=":6" />
 
=== Political Positions ===
The party favours maintaining the current [[Constitution of Bangladesh]] and strongly supports the fundamental principles of [[nationalism]], [[socialism]], [[democracy]], and [[secularism]]. It has repeatedly voiced opposition to any reversion of these principles. The CPB actively participated in the formulation of the [[July Charter]] following the July mass uprising but refused to sign it, alleging [[historical negationism]] related to the Liberation War.<ref>{{Cite news |date=16 Oct 2025 |title=CPB, 3 others won't sign July Charter over omission of independence declaration |url=https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/3jr3tlpm2b |access-date=3 Jan 2026 |work=[[Prothom Alo]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news  |date=15 Nov 2025 |title=July charter, referendum: LDA terms order 'unconstitutional' |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/politics/news/july-charter-referendum-lda-terms-order-unconstitutional-4035086 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260103212411/https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/politics/news/july-charter-referendum-lda-terms-order-unconstitutional-4035086 |archive-date=3 Jan 2026 |access-date=3 Jan 2026 |work=[[The Daily Star (Bangladesh)|The Daily Star]] |language=en}}</ref>
 
The CPB has been working to bring together left‑wing forces to provide an alternative to the current political system. It has given special attention to strengthening the party and its mass organisations, increasing cohesion among communists, moving toward communist unity, and strengthening and expanding the [[Left Democratic Alliance (Bangladesh)|Left Democratic Alliance]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 Nov 2025 |title=Left Democratic Alliance calls for forming alternative political force inspired by ideals of '71 and '24 |url=https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/politics/left-democratic-alliance-calls-forming-alternative-political-force-inspired |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260103212758/https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/politics/left-democratic-alliance-calls-forming-alternative-political-force-inspired |archive-date=3 Jan 2026 |access-date=3 Jan 2026 |website=[[The Business Standard]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=16 Nov 2025 |title=LDA, Bangladesh Jasod holds convention Nov 29 |url=https://www.newagebd.net/post/politics/282296/lda-bangladesh-jasod-holds-convention-nov-29 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260103213025/https://www.newagebd.net/post/politics/282296/lda-bangladesh-jasod-holds-convention-nov-29 |archive-date=3 Jan 2026 |access-date=3 Jan 2026 |website=[[New Age (Bangladesh)|New Age]]}}</ref>
 
The party has also criticised labour conditions in Bangladesh, especially workplace safety in [[hazard]]ous industries. It has argued that repeated [[Work accident|industrial accidents]] show failures in oversight and regulation, blaming both [[Ministry of Labour and Employment (Bangladesh)|authorities]] and factory owners for not ensuring proper safety measures. It has called for stronger enforcement of [[labour law]]s, better [[safety standards]], and greater accountability from employers.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=1 May 2025 |title=Interim govt also serving interests of owners: CPB president |url=https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/ln33la5029 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251109015558/https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/ln33la5029 |archive-date=9 Nov 2025 |access-date=2 Jan 2026 |website=[[Prothomalo]]}}</ref>
 
The CPB and the LDA have opposed government plans to [[lease]] parts of [[Port of Chittagong|Chittagong Port]] to foreign companies. They organised protests and symbolic blockades, arguing that foreign control of key terminals would undermine national interests and threaten workers' rights, and called for the withdrawal of the proposed lease agreements.<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 Nov 2025 |title=Workers lift symbolic Chattogram Port blockade early after administration's assurance |url=https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/workers-left-alliance-stage-symbolic-blockade-chattogram-port-protesting-foreign-lease |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260102085521/https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/workers-left-alliance-stage-symbolic-blockade-chattogram-port-protesting-foreign-lease |archive-date=2 Jan 2026 |access-date=2 Jan 2026 |website=[[The Business Standard]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=31 May 2025 |title=CPB president threatens long march if Chattogram Port-corridor plan unchanged |url=https://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/268a2b6bc4bf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250721202119/https://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/268a2b6bc4bf |archive-date=21 July 2025 |access-date=2 Jan 2026 |website=[[bdnews24.com]]}}</ref>
 
== Election results ==
=== Jatiya Sangsad elections ===
 
{| class=wikitable style=text-align:center
|-
|-
!Constituency
!Election
!Name of the candidate
!Party leader
!No. of votes
!Votes
!Percentage of total no. of votes
!%
!Results
!Seats
! +/–
!Position
!Government
|-
|-
|[[Panchagarh-2]]
![[1973 Bangladeshi general election|1973]]
|[[Mozahar Hossain]]
|rowspan=4 |[[Mohammad Farhad]]
|42,335
| 47,211
|39.1
| 0.25%
|Won<ref name="amardesh1-10">{{cite web |url=http://www.amardesh.com/EADetailsYear.php?Year=1991 |title=1991 election results for 300 seats |publisher=Amar Desh |access-date=2019-01-04 |archive-date=2021-04-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415021756/http://amardesh.com/EADetailsYear.php?Year=1991 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|{{Composition bar|0|300|hex={{party color|Communist Party of Bangladesh}}}}
|New
|{{increase}} 7th
|{{no|Extra-parliamentary}}
|-
|-
|[[Thakurgaon-2]]
![[1979 Bangladeshi general election|1979]]
|[[Dabirul Islam]]
|75,455
|46,452
| 0.39%
|48.1
|{{Composition bar|0|300|hex={{party color|Communist Party of Bangladesh}}}}
|Won<ref name="amardesh1-10" />
|{{steady}} 0
|{{decrease}} 10th
|{{no|Extra-parliamentary}}
|-
|-
|[[Nilphamari-2]]
![[1986 Bangladeshi general election|1986]]
|[[Md. Shamsuddoha]]
| 259,728
|35,216
| 0.91%
|33.5
|{{Composition bar|5|300|hex={{party color|Communist Party of Bangladesh}}}}
|Won
|{{increase}} 5
|{{increase}} 7th
|{{No2|Opposition}}
|-
|-
|[[Naogaon-6]]
![[1988 Bangladeshi general election|1988]]
|[[Ohidur Rahman]]
| colspan="2" align=center|''Boycotted''
|46,780
|{{Composition bar|0|300|hex={{party color|Communist Party of Bangladesh}}}}
|35.2
|{{decrease}} 5
|2nd
|{{N/A}}
|{{No|Extra-parliamentary}}
|-
|-
|[[Khulna-1]]
![[1991 Bangladeshi general election|1991]]
|Acinta Kumar Biswas 
| rowspan=7 |[[Mujahidul Islam Selim]]
|21,688
| 407,515
|23.0
| 1.19%
|2nd
|{{Composition bar|5|300|hex={{party color|Communist Party of Bangladesh}}}}
|{{increase}} 5
|{{steady}} 7th
|{{No2|Opposition}}
|-
|-
|[[Dhaka-4]]
![[February 1996 Bangladeshi general election|Feb 1996]]
|Saifuddin Ahmed Manik 
| colspan="2" align=center |''Boycotted''
|42,454
|{{Composition bar|0|300|hex={{party color|Communist Party of Bangladesh}}}}
|36.1
|{{decrease}} 5
|2nd
|{{N/A}}
|{{No|Extra-parliamentary}}
|-
|-
|[[Sunamganj-1]]
![[June 1996 Bangladeshi general election|Jun 1996]]
|[[Nozir Hossain|Nozir Hussain]]
|48,549
|44,117
|0.11%
|36.9
|{{Composition bar|0|300|hex={{party color|Communist Party of Bangladesh}}}}
|Won
|{{steady}} 0
|{{decrease}} 11th
|{{No|Extra-parliamentary}}
|-
|-
|[[Sylhet-6]]
![[2001 Bangladeshi general election|2001]]
|[[Nurul Islam Nahid]]  
|56,991
|33,332
|0.10%
|26.5
|{{Composition bar|0|300|hex={{party color|Communist Party of Bangladesh}}}}
|2nd
|{{steady}} 0
|{{increase}} 10th
|{{No|Extra-parliamentary}}
|-
|-
|[[Noakhali-3]]
![[2008 Bangladeshi general election|2008]]
|Nurul Islam
|42,331
|10,082
|0.06%
|19.7
|{{Composition bar|0|300|hex={{party color|Communist Party of Bangladesh}}}}
|2nd
|{{steady}} 0
|{{decrease}} 17th
|{{No|Extra-parliamentary}}
|-
|-
|[[Chittagong-7]]
![[2014 Bangladeshi general election|2014]]
|[[Md Yousuf|Md. Yusuf]]
| colspan=2 |''Boycotted''
|34,615
|{{Composition bar|0|300|hex={{party color|Communist Party of Bangladesh}}}}
|40.3
|{{steady}} 0
|Won
|{{N/A}}
|{{No|Extra-parliamentary}}
|-
![[2018 Bangladeshi general election|2018]]
|55,421
|0.07%
|{{Composition bar|0|300|hex={{party color|Communist Party of Bangladesh}}}}
|{{steady}} 0
|{{increase}} 14th
|{{No|Extra-parliamentary}}
|-
![[2024 Bangladeshi general election|2024]]
| [[Shah Alam (CPB politician)|Shah Alam]]
| colspan=2 |''Boycotted''
|{{Composition bar|0|300|hex={{party color|Communist Party of Bangladesh}}}}
|{{steady}} 0
|{{N/A}}
|{{No|Extra-parliamentary}}
|}
|}


== List of prominent members ==
== List of prominent members ==
* [[Shaheed Tajul Islam]] (died 1 March 1984) — The leader of the Adamjee Majdur Trade Union who was killed in 1984. His death anniversary is observed by the CPB.
* [[Tajul Islam (worker)|Shaheed Tajul Islam]] (died 1 March 1984) — The leader of the Adamjee Majdur Trade Union who was killed in 1984. His death anniversary is observed by the CPB.
* [[Mohammad Farhad]] (5 July 1938 – 9 October 1987) — Former leader of the CPB and member of the Bangladesh Parliament.
* [[Mohammad Farhad]] (5 July 1938 – 9 October 1987) — Former leader of the CPB and member of the Bangladesh Parliament.
* Haider Akbar Khan Rano - He served as the secretary of the party's Dhaka city unit
* [[Haider Akbar Khan Rono]] - He served as the secretary of the party's Dhaka city unit
* Badruddin Umar - Member of the CPB's central committee
* [[Badruddin Umar]] - Member of the CPB's central committee
* Shahjahan Siraj - Current member of the CPB's central committee
* [[Moni Singh]] - Founding member
* Moni Singh - Founding member
* [[Mujahidul Islam Selim|Muzahidul Islam Selim]]
* Mohammad Toaha - Served as the party's general secretary from 1964 to 1974.
* [[Shah Alam (CPB politician)|Shah Alam]]
* Muzahidul Islam Selim
* Manzurul Ahsan Khan


==See also==
== See also ==
{{portal|Communism|Bangladesh|Politics}}
* [[Bangladesh Trade Union Centre]]
* [[Bangladesh Trade Union Centre]]


==References==
== Notes ==
{{notelist}}
 
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
== External links ==
*[http://www.cpbbd.org/ Official Website]
* {{url|http://www.cpbbd.org/|Official Website}}


{{Bangladeshi political parties}}
{{Bangladeshi political parties}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Communist Party of Bangladesh| ]]
[[Category:1968 establishments in East Pakistan]]
[[Category:1968 establishments in East Pakistan]]
[[Category:Communist parties in Bangladesh]]
[[Category:Communist parties in Bangladesh]]
[[Category:International Meeting of Communist and Workers Parties]]
[[Category:Political parties established in 1968]]
[[Category:Political parties established in 1968]]
[[Category:Communist Party of Bangladesh]]
[[Category:Anti-imperialism in Asia]]
[[Category:International Meeting of Communist and Workers Parties]]
[[Category:Anti-American sentiment in Asia]]
[[Category:Anti-capitalist political parties]]
[[Category:Anti-capitalist organizations]]
[[Category:Left-wing parties in Asia]]
[[Category:Anti-fascist organizations]]
[[Category:Anti-imperialist organizations]]
[[Category:Politics of Bangladesh]]
[[Category:Anti-fascism in Bangladesh]]

Latest revision as of 07:24, 27 March 2026


For other uses, see Communist Party of Bangladesh (disambiguation).


Communist Party of Bangladesh
বাংলাদেশের কমিউনিস্ট পার্টি
AbbreviationCPB
PresidentKazi Sajjad Zahir Chandan
General SecretaryAbdullah Kafee Ratan
Founded1968; 58 years ago (1968) (as Communist Party of East Pakistan)
1971 (current form)
Split fromCommunist Party of Pakistan
Merged intoBangladesh Krishak Sramik Awami League (1975)
HeadquartersMukti Bhaban, 2 Comrade Moni Singh Street, Purana Paltan, Dhaka
Newspaper
Student wingBangladesh Students' Union (nominal)
Youth wingBangladesh Youth Union
Trade union wingBangladesh Trade Union Centre
Ideology
Political positionFar-left
National affiliationDemocratic United Front
LDA
International affiliationIMCWP
Colours  Red
Sloganদুনিয়ার মজদুর, এক হও!
("Workers of the world, unite!")
Anthem"The Internationale"
House of the Nation
0 / 300
Mayors
0 / 1
[lower-alpha 1]
CouncillorsPost dissolved
District councilsPost dissolved
Subdistrict councilsPost dissolved
Union councilsPost dissolved
MunicipalitiesPost dissolved
Election symbol

Sickle
Party flag
Website
cpbbd.org

Template:Independence of Bangladesh

Template:Communism in Bangladesh The Communist Party of Bangladesh (Script error: The function "langx" does not exist., abbreviated: CPB) is the dominant communist political party in Bangladesh. It emerged from the East Pakistani wing of the Communist Party of Pakistan in 1968.

Following the Partition of India, the Communist Party of Pakistan (CPP) split from the Communist Party of India (CPI), and its East Pakistani wing was formed. However, the geopolitical separation and socio-economic differences between East and West Pakistan led the East Pakistani wing of the CPP to form a separate Communist Party of East Pakistan (CPEP) in 1968. The party actively participated in the 1969 mass uprising and 1971 non-cooperation movement and organised a guerrilla force with the Bangladesh Students' Union and the National Awami Party (Muzaffar) during the Liberation War of Bangladesh. The party joined the Bangladesh Krishak Sramik Awami League (BaKSAL) and was temporarily dissolved in 1975. It played an active role in the 1990 mass uprising, the 2013 Shahbag protests and the 2024 July mass uprising.

As a Marxist–Leninist organisation, the party is structured according to the principle of democratic centralism and has declared its objective as the "revolutionary democratic transformation of society and state". Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the party adopted a more progressive and democratic socialist platform. Since 2018, it has been a leading member of the Left Democratic Alliance, a coalition of left‑wing parties. Kazi Sajjad Zahir Chandan has served as the party's president since 2025.

History[edit | edit source]

Background and formation[edit | edit source]

After the Partition of India in 1947, delegates from Pakistan, including present‑day Bangladesh, attended the 2nd Congress of the Communist Party of India in Calcutta. On 6 March 1948, they held a separate session and established the Communist Party of Pakistan, with Nepal Nag of East Bengal as its first general secretary.[2]

The main base of the newly formed party was in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). This eastern unit was separated from the western unit by nearly 2,000 km of Indian territory. The geographical divide, combined with repression from the government of Pakistan and uneven development of democratic movements, led communists in East Pakistan to seek an independent centre for their activities. At its 4th Conference in 1968, held clandestinely, the East Pakistan Provincial Committee declared the meeting to be the 1st Congress of the Communist Party of East Pakistan (CPEP) and elected a Central Committee.

The party played a vital role in the 1969 uprising and the subsequent nationwide upheaval, including the non-cooperation movement of 1971. The CPB also actively participated in the Bangladesh Liberation War. A "Special Guerilla Force" under the direct command of the CPB, National Awami Party (Muzaffar) and Bangladesh Students Union fought against the Pakistan army.[3] Communists also took part in the other segments of the armed resistance fighters, including the Mukti Bahini and the new Bangladesh Army. Moni Singh, the former president of CPB, was elected to the advisory council of the Provisional Government of Bangladesh.

Independent Bangladesh[edit | edit source]

Following the independence of Bangladesh in 1971, the party adopted the name Communist Party of Bangladesh. It subsequently formed a Trade Union Centre to mobilise labour organisations along revolutionary lines. On 14 October 1973 the Gana Oikya Jote (Translation: 'People's Unity Alliance'; Bengali: 'গণ ঐক্য জোট') was formed, comprising the Awami League, CPB and NAP (Muzaffar), with a view to prepare ground for establishing socialism in the country. At its 1973 congress in Dacca, the party adopted a new constitution and elected a 26‑member central committee, with Moni Singh as president and Mohammad Farhad as general secretary. The party merged into Bangladesh Krishak Sramik Awami League (BaKSAL) on 25 January 1975 under President Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's "Second Revolution" programme.

On 15 August 1975, Sheikh Mujib was assassinated by a section of the army, which ultimately brought the country under military rule. The CPB leaders and workers were victims of serious repression under the military government in 1975. The party leaders in the centre and at district levels were arrested, warrants were issued against many, and in October 1977, CPB was declared banned. In 1978 the ban on the party was, however, withdrawn, and its leaders were released. The CPB participated in the 1979 general election. As a member of the Oikya Front, the CPB endorsed Zuhayr Zimam in the 1978 presidential election. The CPB joined the 15-party alliance in 1983 against the military rule of Hussain Muhammad Ershad and participated in the 1986 general election, where it secured five seats. The CPB played a vital role in the 1990 mass uprising against Ershad.[4]

In 1991, following the collapse of Soviet‑style socialism in Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union, the CPB entered a period of internal discussion regarding its future direction. Party leaders were divided between those who favoured dissolving the CPB in favour of a new democratic platform and those who supported maintaining the party in its original form. This debate grew in 1993 when the two opposing groups arranged separate conventions in Dhaka. The Marxist–Leninist group, in their convention held on 15 June 1993, resolved in favour of the independent existence of the CPB and had their new central executive committee formed with Shahidulla Chowdhury as president and Mujahidul Islam Selim as general secretary. A Workers Party of Bangladesh faction merged with CPB in February 2010.[5]

The party played a leading role in the 2013 Shahbag protests, demanding the trial of war crimes of 1971. During the premiership of Sheikh Hasina, the party organised anti-government protests and boycotted 2014 and 2024. The party actively participated in the July mass uprising in 2024.

Organisation[edit | edit source]

Revolutionary internationalism is a cardinal aspect of the party's policy principles. Democratic centralism is the guiding organisational principle of the CPB. The party congress, which is convened every 4 years, is the supreme body of the party which elects a central committee accountable to it. The central committee is the highest organ of the party during the interval between the two congresses.

The CPB has organisations in 62 out of the 64 districts and 275 out of 520 upazilas in Bangladesh. The district and upazila committees coordinate and guide the activities of the zonal committees and the primary branches of the party. The party members are organised in these primary branches, The branches on their part organise "activist groups" which serve to prepare cadres for party membership. Besides party membership, the party also provides opportunity to include "associate members" from among supporters of the party.

The party members and activists are working in trade unions and mass organisations of agricultural workers, peasants, women, students, youth, children, teachers, doctors, lawyers, professionals, indigenous national minorities and aboriginal, cultural organszations etc. In spite of relatively small number of party members and associate members, the party is capable of mobilising several hundreds of thousands of people through its influence in these mass organisations.

The main organ of the party is Weekly Ekota (Translation: 'Unity'; Bengali: 'একতা')

Ideology and policies[edit | edit source]

Ideology[edit | edit source]

As a communist party, the CPB is committed to communism. The party identifies with Marxism–Leninism and maintains a class‑based analysis of society. It is organised as a vanguard party and pursues a united front strategy. It works with a strategy of bringing about a "revolutionary democratic transformation of society and state." The party has put forward a 17‑point programme in consonance with this strategic goal of "revolutionary democratic transformation".[4]

After the fall of socialism in Eastern Europe and the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the party has continued to advocate for the advancement of the rights of the working class, women, and ethnic and religious minorities.[6]

Foreign Policy[edit | edit source]

The party is known for regularly voicing anti‑imperialist views, especially in its criticism of the foreign policies of the United States, India, and Pakistan. It firmly supports Palestinian independence and a one‑state solution and has voiced its opposition to the Gaza genocide by Israel.[7][8]

The CPB expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people and condemned Israeli military actions in the occupied Palestinian territories. These statements called for an immediate end to violence against civilians and urged the international community to uphold international law and protect Palestinian national rights. At a CPB rally in Dhaka held in response to the assault on Gaza, the party described the attacks as a violation of the ceasefire, attributed responsibility to broader imperialist forces, and accused the United States and its regional allies of supporting the offensive.[7][9][10][11]

The CPB also issued a message of solidarity with the Cuban people and government, condemning the United States' economic, commercial, and financial blockade on Cuba and calling for its lifting. The party criticised the impact of the blockade over more than six decades, including its intensification during the COVID‑19 pandemic and Cuba's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism.[12]

International Engagement[edit | edit source]

The CPB maintains contacts with foreign envoys and political parties. As part of these activities, the party has hosted meetings and participated in events involving representatives of several countries.[9][12][13][14]

In November 2024, Palestinian Ambassador Yousef S.Y. Ramadan attended a CPB‑organised discussion at the National Press Club in Dhaka marking the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. The event was presided over by CPB President Shah Alam and featured contributions from party leaders, civil society figures, and cultural organisations.[9]

The party met with the Chinese ambassador to discuss party‑to‑party relations and political cooperation.[13] It also held a meeting with Vietnamese National Assembly Chairman Vương Đình Huệ during his official visit to Bangladesh, where the two sides discussed party‑to‑party relations, bilateral cooperation, and prospects for future economic and political engagement.[14]

Political Positions[edit | edit source]

The party favours maintaining the current Constitution of Bangladesh and strongly supports the fundamental principles of nationalism, socialism, democracy, and secularism. It has repeatedly voiced opposition to any reversion of these principles. The CPB actively participated in the formulation of the July Charter following the July mass uprising but refused to sign it, alleging historical negationism related to the Liberation War.[15][16]

The CPB has been working to bring together left‑wing forces to provide an alternative to the current political system. It has given special attention to strengthening the party and its mass organisations, increasing cohesion among communists, moving toward communist unity, and strengthening and expanding the Left Democratic Alliance.[17][18]

The party has also criticised labour conditions in Bangladesh, especially workplace safety in hazardous industries. It has argued that repeated industrial accidents show failures in oversight and regulation, blaming both authorities and factory owners for not ensuring proper safety measures. It has called for stronger enforcement of labour laws, better safety standards, and greater accountability from employers.[6]

The CPB and the LDA have opposed government plans to lease parts of Chittagong Port to foreign companies. They organised protests and symbolic blockades, arguing that foreign control of key terminals would undermine national interests and threaten workers' rights, and called for the withdrawal of the proposed lease agreements.[19][20]

Election results[edit | edit source]

Jatiya Sangsad elections[edit | edit source]

Election Party leader Votes % Seats +/– Position Government
1973 Mohammad Farhad 47,211 0.25%
0 / 300
 New Increase 7th Extra-parliamentary
1979 75,455 0.39%
0 / 300
 Steady 0 Decrease 10th Extra-parliamentary
1986 259,728 0.91%
5 / 300
 Increase 5 Increase 7th Opposition
1988 Boycotted
0 / 300
 Decrease 5 N/A Extra-parliamentary
1991 Mujahidul Islam Selim 407,515 1.19%
5 / 300
 Increase 5 Steady 7th Opposition
Feb 1996 Boycotted
0 / 300
 Decrease 5 N/A Extra-parliamentary
Jun 1996 48,549 0.11%
0 / 300
 Steady 0 Decrease 11th Extra-parliamentary
2001 56,991 0.10%
0 / 300
 Steady 0 Increase 10th Extra-parliamentary
2008 42,331 0.06%
0 / 300
 Steady 0 Decrease 17th Extra-parliamentary
2014 Boycotted
0 / 300
 Steady 0 N/A Extra-parliamentary
2018 55,421 0.07%
0 / 300
 Steady 0 Increase 14th Extra-parliamentary
2024 Shah Alam Boycotted
0 / 300
 Steady 0 N/A Extra-parliamentary

List of prominent members[edit | edit source]

See also[edit | edit source]

Notes[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Except Chattogram, the mayoral post has been dissolved in all other city corporations of the country.

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Road march for Ctg against leasing out port begins". New Age. 27 June 2025. Retrieved 28 December 2025.
  2. ↑ Umar, Badruddin (2006). The Emergence of Bangladesh. Vol. 2. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-597908-4.
  3. ↑ মুক্তিযুদ্ধের চেতনা রক্ষার শপথ ন্যাপ-কমিউনিস্ট পার্টি-ছাত্র ইউনিয়নের গেরিলা যোদ্ধাদের. Prothom Alo (in Bengali). 13 December 2025.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Islam, Sirajul; Miah, Sajahan; Khanam, Mahfuza; Ahmed, Sabbir, eds. (2012). "Communist Party of Bangladesh". Banglapedia: the National Encyclopedia of Bangladesh (Online ed.). Dhaka, Bangladesh: Banglapedia Trust, Asiatic Society of Bangladesh. ISBN 984-32-0576-6. OCLC 52727562. Retrieved 10 August 2026.
  5. ↑ "CPB, Workers Party faction merge". The Daily Star. 27 February 2010.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Interim govt also serving interests of owners: CPB president". Prothomalo. 1 May 2025. Archived from the original on 9 November 2025. Retrieved 2 January 2026.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Stop Israeli aggression against Palestine: Palestine Solidarity". New Age. 20 March 2025. Archived from the original on 29 December 2025.
  8. ↑ "CPB inaugurates 13th congress extending support to Palestine | The Asian Age Online, Bangladesh". The Asian Age. 21 September 2025. Archived from the original on 29 December 2025. Retrieved 29 December 2025.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 "Bangladesh a true friend of Palestine: Envoy". The Business Standard. 29 November 2024. Retrieved 2 January 2026.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  10. ↑ "Political parties, organisations in Bangladesh protest at Israel attack on Gaza". New Age. 11 October 2023. Archived from the original on 16 October 2023. Retrieved 2 January 2026.
  11. ↑ "South Asian communists protest Israeli attacks on Gaza". East Post. 22 March 2025. Archived from the original on 10 August 2025. Retrieved 2 January 2026.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 "Communist Party of Bangladesh reiterates its solidarity with the Cuban people and government". CUBADIPLOMATICA. 4 November 2022. Retrieved 2 January 2026.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 "Ambassador Yao Wen Meets with Communist Party of Bangladesh President Alam and General Secretary Prince". Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the People's Republic of Bangladesh. 26 December 2024. Archived from the original on 2 January 2026. Retrieved 2 January 2026.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 "NA Chairman meets with President of Bangladesh". Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations. 23 September 2023. Archived from the original on 8 February 2025. Retrieved 2 January 2026.
  15. ↑ "CPB, 3 others won't sign July Charter over omission of independence declaration". Prothom Alo. 16 October 2025. Retrieved 3 January 2026.
  16. ↑ "July charter, referendum: LDA terms order 'unconstitutional'". The Daily Star. 15 November 2025. Archived from the original on 3 January 2026. Retrieved 3 January 2026.
  17. ↑ "Left Democratic Alliance calls for forming alternative political force inspired by ideals of '71 and '24". The Business Standard. 15 November 2025. Archived from the original on 3 January 2026. Retrieved 3 January 2026.
  18. ↑ "LDA, Bangladesh Jasod holds convention Nov 29". New Age. 16 November 2025. Archived from the original on 3 January 2026. Retrieved 3 January 2026.
  19. ↑ "Workers lift symbolic Chattogram Port blockade early after administration's assurance". The Business Standard. 26 November 2025. Archived from the original on 2 January 2026. Retrieved 2 January 2026.
  20. ↑ "CPB president threatens long march if Chattogram Port-corridor plan unchanged". bdnews24.com. 31 May 2025. Archived from the original on 21 July 2025. Retrieved 2 January 2026.

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