Staff Reporter :
Following years of strained relations, BNP and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami are leaning towards bolstering their strategic ties, intending to spearhead a more assertive anti-government campaign, according to leaders from both parties.
However, they stated they would continue to maintain a cautious public distance to preempt potential criticism, counter negative campaigning by the ruling party, and avoid misunderstandings with some alliance partners and the international community who have reservations about Jamaat.
For some time, there has been a noticeable gap between the BNP and its long-time ally Jamaat, especially since the BNP dissolved the 20-party alliance to carry out a simultaneous movement with many other parties, including some left-leaning ones.
However, some BNP leaders said this week they are making efforts to bridge the gap and unite both right- and left-leaning parties to take to the streets with fresh vigor against the government.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir recently articulated his party’s position on the Islamist party, stating that while he does not endorse Jamaat-e-Islami’s politics, he acknowledges its strategic approach as highly methodical, akin to that of the Communist Party.
Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader criticized Fakhrul’s statement, asserting that it further solidifies BNP’s perceived connections with the anti-independence Jamaat and communal evil forces.
Later, Jamaat issued a statement protesting Quader’s comments, yet notably remained silent regarding Fakhrul’s remark indicating a lack of support for Jamaat’s politics.
On May 27, Jamaat sent seasonal fruits, including mangoes and lychees, as gifts to BNP chief Khaleda Zia and its acting chairman Tarique Rahman, signifying a potential renewal of ties with BNP.
The BNP and Jamaat came close to each other during the 1991 national election, but their formal coalition was established in 1999. Since then, they have been together in their political journey. Starting with a four-party alliance and expanding to a 20-party coalition, they remained politically aligned until the dissolution of the 20-party alliance before the 12th national elections.
A member of the BNP standing committee, wishing anonymity, acknowledged that their party’s relationship with Jamaat-e-Islami has been strained due to differing regional and international political calculations.
He said they left the alliance with the Islamist party before the last national election aiming to secure India’s trust and support for a credible election in Bangladesh.
“We deliberately kept our distance from Jamaat before the election. That’s why Jamaat did not directly participate in our simultaneous movement. But we did not achieve our goals by distancing ourselves from Jamaat. Therefore, we now believe that all right and left-leaning opposition parties should unite in an anti-government movement to achieve the desired success,” the BNP leader said.
He mentioned that they are currently maintaining a strategic relationship with Jamaat based on mutual understanding to avoid unnecessary controversy. “We are in contact with Jamaat, and we hope that Jamaat will tactically join the simultaneous movement in the days ahead,” he added.
Another BNP standing committee member said their party is maintaining a cautious relationship, balancing strategic interests amid political complexities. “Our communication with Jamaat may increase, but it will not be as deep as before.”
However, he said some BNP leaders advocate for strengthening ties with Jamaat, arguing that maintaining distance from the Islamist party is a flawed strategy, especially when the government is pursuing aggressive and repressive policies against the opposition.
“There’s also reservation among some of our policymakers about Jamaat,” said the leader.
Talking to UNB, a senior Jamaat leader said they are keen to foster a close relationship with BNP through mutual understanding, particularly amidst Bangladesh’s political landscape shaped by Awami League’s pro-India stance.
He, however, said BNP has long been demonstrating a perplexing stance towards Jamaat.
Initially, we independently observed certain programs of the simultaneous movement. We distanced ourselves when we perceived reluctance from BNP,” he added.
After failing to garner sympathy from India during the last general election, the Jamaat leader noted that BNP has taken steps to enhance its relationship with their party.