Abu Jakir :
The Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami party is preparing for the 13th National Parliamentary Elections, scheduled to take place either at the end of this year or in mid-next year.
While the official election date remains unannounced, the party has already named candidates for 79 constituencies and aims to contest all 300 seats in the national parliament.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the election date, Jamaat-e-Islami has expressed its strong intent to participate actively. The party’s leadership has been engaging in nationwide outreach efforts, including organising workers’ conferences and public rallies. Senior party leaders, such as Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman and Secretary-General Professor Mia Golam Parwar, are touring the country to galvanise support and spread their message of unity and justice.
“We are preparing for the elections in advance, and our goal is to contest in all 300 constituencies. While the final decision will be made closer to the election, we have already selected 79 candidates,” said Dr. Shafiqur Rahman. “What has been disclosed so far is just the preliminary selection; the final nominations will be made when the time comes.”
While Jamaat has a rich history in Bangladesh’s politics, it faced a disappointing result in the 2008 parliamentary elections, securing only two seats. Many critics have characterised the 2008 elections as a “farcical” event, alleging that they were manipulated by the military-backed caretaker government and influenced by foreign powers, including Indian former president Pranab Mukherjee, who suggested handing over power to the Awami League.
In the wake of the 2008 election, Jamaat has focused on strengthening its organisational base, and its leaders are now looking ahead to the upcoming national polls. According to party sources, the primary concern is ensuring that the elections are fair and free from manipulation. Jamaat leaders have expressed that they want the elections to take place after necessary reforms are implemented to ensure a credible electoral process.
“Jamaat desires an election as soon as possible, but reforms are essential. Without reforms, the election will lack meaning and could end up being a repetition of past electoral malpractices,” said Advocate Matiur Rahman Akand, a senior party member.
In addition to preparing for elections, Jamaat-e-Islami is exploring the possibility of forming alliances with other political parties, particularly Islamic and smaller factions, to contest the elections through a united front. Party leaders have openly discussed the importance of unity in the fight against what they term “fascism” and “extortionist.”
“There is a possibility that Jamaat will form an alliance with other parties, particularly Islamic groups, to ensure that fascism does not rise again. If necessary, we will unite all parties that stand for justice,” said Professor Parwar.
The party’s recent rallies have seen a call for unity and peaceful governance. Dr. Shafiqur Rahman urged supporters to elect honest candidates who would deliver on good governance, justice, and balanced development.
“The sacrifices made by the students and public are for the creation of an ideal society, and we will strive to build a just and fair country if given the chance to govern,” he said during a rally.
In the broader context, Islamic political parties in Bangladesh are also in talks to present a united front in the elections. One of the prominent figures in this effort is Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, the Amir of the Islamic Movement and Chormonai Pir, who has expressed a desire to consolidate votes among Islamic parties.
“There is a push to bring Islamic parties together, but there are still ongoing discussions about how to resolve leadership concerns and create a constituency-based understanding,” said Maulana Ahmad Abdul Kaiyum, Assistant Secretary-General of the Islamic Movement.
While Jamaat-e-Islami’s registration issue is still pending in court, the party remains hopeful of receiving the “scales” symbol that it is known for. The party’s leaders have expressed optimism about gaining justice and securing a fair opportunity to participate in the national elections.
With the election still months away, Jamaat-e-Islami is making every effort to mobilize its grassroots base, create alliances, and present itself as a strong contender in Bangladesh’s upcoming political landscape.
