Jamaat-e-Islami's Potential Role in Bangladesh's Upcoming Elections

Jamaat-e-Islami, a once-banned Islamist party in Bangladesh, is poised for a significant electoral performance in the upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for February 12, 2025. Opinion polls indicate that Jamaat-e-Islami may secure a close second place behind the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), marking its return to mainstream politics after nearly 17 years. The party last held power from 2001 to 2006 as a junior coalition partner with the BNP. Jamaat's president, Shafiqur Rahman, expressed the party's willingness to join a unity government, emphasizing the need for stability in the nation for at least five years.

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The party's resurgence follows the ousting of long-time Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a youth-led uprising in August 2024. Hasina's Awami League party is currently barred from participating in the elections. During her tenure, several Jamaat leaders were sentenced to death for alleged war crimes related to the 1971 independence conflict with Pakistan, a war that Jamaat opposed. The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, lifted the ban on Jamaat in August 2024, allowing it to contest elections once again.

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Rahman stated that any unity government must prioritize anti-corruption efforts and that the prime minister would be chosen from the party that wins the most seats. If Jamaat secures the majority, Rahman indicated that the party would deliberate on whether he would be a candidate for the premiership. The party has also formed a coalition with a Gen Z party, further broadening its appeal beyond its traditional conservative base.

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In light of the changing political landscape, Rahman has engaged in discussions with Indian diplomats, highlighting the importance of maintaining balanced relations with both India and Pakistan. He noted that Hasina's continued presence in India after her ousting raises concerns, as Bangladesh's ties with India have deteriorated significantly since her departure. Rahman emphasized the need for openness in diplomatic relations, stating, "We must become open to all and to each other. There is no alternative to developing our relationship."

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Despite Jamaat's renewed political presence, there are concerns regarding its historical ties to Pakistan and its advocacy for Islamic governance under sharia law. Critics argue that the party's return could exacerbate existing tensions within Bangladesh's diverse political landscape. Additionally, Rahman acknowledged that any government including Jamaat would not feel comfortable with President Mohammed Shahabuddin, who was elected unopposed with Awami League support in 2023.

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While Rahman confirmed meetings with Indian diplomats, the Indian foreign ministry has not commented on these interactions. There is also uncertainty regarding the future role of President Shahabuddin, who has expressed a willingness to step down midway through his term, leaving questions about the stability of the political environment.

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• “We want to see a stable nation for at least five years. If the parties come together, we’ll run the government together,” — Shafiqur Rahman, President of Jamaat-e-Islami

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• “We maintain relations in a balanced way with all. We are never interested in leaning toward any one country. Rather, we respect all and want balanced relations among nations.” — Shafiqur Rahman, President of Jamaat-e-Islami

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• “There is no alternative to developing our relationship,” he said.” — Shafiqur Rahman, President of Jamaat-e-Islami

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As Bangladesh approaches its elections, the role of Jamaat-e-Islami and its potential alliances will be crucial in shaping the nation's political future.

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