British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke on Thursday met Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman and senior party leaders as part of her ongoing series of engagements with registered political parties ahead of the national election.
In a Facebook post, the British high Commission in Bangladesh said, “The meeting focused on the upcoming elections and the 🇬🇧-🇧🇩 bilateral relationship.”
Within six hours of the post going live, it had been shared over 200 times and received around 600 comments – most of them from Jamaat supporters expressing enthusiasm about the meeting.
The meeting and the social media response highlight the elevated political sensitivities and online polarisation as Bangladesh moves closer to the upcoming national election.
Many commenters praised Jamaat-e-Islami, its leadership, and the British High Commissioner. The tone of several remarks suggested that supporters viewed the meeting as a symbolic victory for the party, with some even describing Dr Shafiqur Rahman as a future prime minister.
Ashraful Bin Islam wrote, “Incredible advancement. Thank you, Dear Madam, in British High Commission. We are pleased to see constructive engagement with Jamaat-e-Islami as part of wider political dialogue.
“Open conversations like this support transparency and help build a better future for Bangladesh.”
Another user, Arafat Zaman, commented, “Next prime minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Insha Allah.”
Barekur Rahman added, “The two high officials of two different countries are in a successful meeting about the upcoming election, ensuring Jamaat comes to power.”
Two identical comments, posted separately by Md Borhan Uddin Hira and Jobaer Hosain, read, “The real leader of Bangladesh Dr Shofiq. We all are family and will vote for BJI, Inshallah. Good to see this on the UK in Bangladesh page. God bless you all. Thank you.”
A number of critical comments also appeared.
Mahin Bhuiyan wrote, “All are bots.” Dipu Rahman reacted with a red angry emoji and the word: “Rajakar.” Ramzan Ahmed Sagor commented, “No boat, no vote.” Mahbubul Islam Apon wrote simply, “Shame.”
