Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami is positioning itself for significant success in today’s election, believing it stands in the most favourable political circumstances since the country’s independence.
The Jamaat-led 11-party alliance aims for a “spectacular” result, surpassing all past records, with a strong focus on its anti-corruption and anti-extortion positions.
Political analysts suggest that following the July 2024 mass uprising, the fall of the Awami League government, and the changing political landscape, Jamaat has strengthened its position in ground politics.
The party has also capitalised on the ban on the Awami League’s participation and the political advantages stemming from the BNP’s controversial actions after the government’s collapse.
Although the party has previously won 18 seats with over 12 percent of the vote in a legitimate election, Jamaat now aspires to state power. However, it still faces significant challenges, including the ongoing debate about its role during the Liberation War and other historical issues.
The main competition in this election is expected to be between BNP and Jamaat. The Jamaat-led 11-party alliance has candidates in 299 seats across the country, with Jamaat contesting 216 seats under the “scale” symbol.
However, Jamaat has refrained from fielding a candidate in the Barisal-5 constituency in honour of Syed Faizul Karim, deputy chief of Islami Andolan Bangladesh. Following the death of Jamaat’s candidate in Sherpur-3, the election in that constituency has been postponed, leaving the election to proceed in 299 seats.
Jamaat’s central executive committee member, Mobarak Hossain, said, “The public is disillusioned with previous administrations. Young voters, in particular, want leadership free from corruption and extortion.
“They believe that if the election is fair, Jamaat and its alliance will emerge victorious.”
Political analysts’ perspective
Political analyst Professor Sabbir Ahmed from Dhaka University’s Department of Political Science observed, “Jamaat is attempting to broaden its appeal by stepping back from hardline positions, such as implementing Sharia law, creating political opportunities for non-Muslims, and emphasising its anti-corruption stance.”
He said the absence of the Awami League has allowed Jamaat to exploit various controversial actions taken by the BNP.
“With the historical controversy surrounding its role in the Liberation War, along with the perspectives of over 51 percent of women in the country and various social realities, it remains to be seen how successful the party will be in the polls,” added Professor Ahmed.
Jamaat-led alliance in election
Other Jamaat-led alliance members include the NCP, contesting 30 seats with the ‘Shapla Kali’ symbol; Mamunul Haque’s Khilafat Majlis, contesting 23 seats with the Rickshaw symbol; and another faction of Khilafat Majlis contesting 13 seats with the “Dewal Ghori” symbol.
The LDP, led by Colonel (Retd) Oli Ahmed, is contesting 7 seats with the “Chhatra” symbol, while Amar Bangladesh Party (ABP) is contesting 3 seats with the “Eagle” symbol. Nezame Islam Party is contesting 3 seats with the Book symbol, and the Bangladesh Development Party is contesting 2 seats with the “Golap” symbol.
Despite the 11-party alliance, only 9 parties have candidates contesting the election. Bangladesh Khilafat Andolan, Jagpa, and Bangladesh Labour Party were not given nominations within the alliance. Jamaat has stated that these groups will be evaluated separately.
Jamaat is targeting significant inroads in 108 seats across Rangpur, Rajshahi, and Khulna divisions, but its partner parties have been allocated minimal seats in these areas.
Jamaat leaders believe that in 75 seats across the country, BNP’s rebel candidates have created challenges for the party’s own candidates. These rebels are complicating BNP’s position, allowing Jamaat candidates to gain an advantage.
However, many rebel candidates are also strong contenders.
In Dhaka, Barisal, Chattogram, Sylhet, and Mymensingh, where the BNP-led alliance holds strong positions, the number of rebel candidates has increased, giving Jamaat confidence in winning significant seats.
With increased votes compared to previous elections and Jamaat’s proactive campaigning, the party is expected to outperform the BNP.
New strategy in changed circumstances
After the July movement, Jamaat became more active, capitalising on the evolving political situation. The party has reinforced its organisational preparation by issuing preliminary nominations across almost all constituencies.
To attract new voters, Jamaat has launched branches for non-Muslims, increased the involvement of women and youth, and expanded its social activities.
As a result, Jamaat’s student wing, Chhatra Shibir, secured significant victories in student council elections at five major universities across the country, boosting the party’s confidence.
Historical controversy and challenges
Historians and analysts continue to debate Jamaat’s position during the Liberation War. Despite the passage of time, the party has not clarified its stance or offered an official position, which remains a barrier to its political growth.
Additionally, there is no clear public understanding of the party’s policies if it were to come to power. However, Jamaat has attempted to clarify these matters in its election manifesto.
A few days ago, the hacking of Jamaat Amir Shafiqur Rahman’s account caused controversy over his comments about women, further complicating the party’s image.
Past election results
Jamaat’s past election results show that in the 1991 election, the party contested independently, receiving 12.13 percent of the vote and winning 18 seats. In the 1996 election, Jamaat received approximately 8.6 percent of the vote but only won 3 seats.
In the 2001 election, the party won 17 seats, receiving about 4.28 percent of the vote as part of the BNP-led four-party alliance, resulting in a reduced vote share.
After the 1/11 political crisis, Jamaat only won 2 seats in the 2008 election, receiving 4.79 percent of the vote.
Creation and historical context
Jamaat-e-Islami was founded in Pakistan in 1941 by Abul A’la Maududi. After the partition of Pakistan and India, the organisation split. The party opposed the Liberation War in 1971 and was banned after independence.
However, it resumed political activities in 1976 when multi-party politics was introduced.
During the Awami League government, the party was once again banned, but the ban was lifted after a change in government.
Given the changed political circumstances, Jamaat sees this election as its biggest opportunity. How effectively the party can capitalise on this opportunity will only be revealed by the election results.
