Jamaat plans to form alliance with religious parties ahead of elections: BNP eyes possible partnership

Jamaat-e-Islami is working to build an alliance with religious-based parties. Party leaders have hinted that talks are ongoing with several groups, and the formation of this alliance is expected to be announced just before the election.

Meanwhile, as in past elections, the BNP is likely to extend an invitation to Jamaat to join their coalition.

Jamaat has been politically quiet for some time, especially after the fall of the Hasina government through mass protests.

However, the party is now rethinking its approach, considering a separate alliance with Islamic parties rather than solely relying on their previous ties with BNP.

Signs of this new plan have emerged during recent meetings and discussions within the party’s leadership.

Jamaat’s Amir, along with other central leaders, were seen attending a luncheon hosted by the Chormonai Pir, which added fuel to the ongoing talks about a possible Islamic coalition in the political sphere.

Mufti Syed Faizul Karim, the Naib-e-Amir of Islami Andolan, commented,

“Not just Islamic parties, but for the welfare of Islam and the country, if any other party wishes to form an alliance or expresses hope for unity, we are willing to join hands with them. Even if it is a seat-based alliance, we can make significant progress.”

Jamaat’s leaders are also confident that the minor differences between the Islamic groups won’t stand in the way of building this coalition.

Hamidur Rahman Azad, Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General, noted,

“Having differences of opinion doesn’t mean that our relationships have deteriorated. We must consider party interests. As for an electoral alliance, it’s not something we are announcing at this moment. The time to talk about it has not yet arrived. When the time comes, we will discuss, decide, and announce it.”

BNP leaders, while supportive of Jamaat’s initiative, have made it clear that they are still open to contesting the election together with Jamaat.

Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, a key member of BNP’s standing committee, said,

“We have contested elections together with Jamaat, we have participated in movements together, and we are still in this movement together. We will wait to see whether Jamaat-e-Islami works with us sincerely and in a united manner. If that happens, there could be an arrangement for the election as well.”

He also added,