Jamaat-e-Islami Expresses Intent to Join Unity Government Following February Elections in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is approaching a significant political juncture as it gears up for its parliamentary elections on February 12. A notable development is the potential resurgence of Jamaat-e-Islami, an Islamist party long excluded from electoral processes. The party has announced it is willing to join a unity government post-election.

In discussions with Reuters, Jamaat-e-Islami leader Shafiqur Rahman indicated that talks have already commenced with various political factions. He emphasized the necessity for stability over the next five years, asserting that collaborative governance could fulfill this need. Rahman expressed that if parties can find common ground, they should unite to lead the government effectively.

Surveys suggest Jamaat-e-Islami could emerge as the second-largest party in the elections, trailing only the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). This marks the party's first engagement in national elections in almost 17 years, signifying its reentry into mainstream politics within the predominantly Muslim nation of approximately 175 million people.

Previously, Jamaat shared power with the BNP from 2001 to 2006 as a junior partner. Rahman indicated the party's openness to collaborating with the BNP again. However, he insisted that any unity government must prioritize the fight against corruption, which he stated is a primary expectation from the electorate.

Rahman also noted that the prime minister would be determined by the party that secures the most seats. Should Jamaat succeed, the party will choose its candidate for this role, potentially including Rahman himself.

This resurgence for Jamaat follows significant political transformations in Bangladesh. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted in August 2024 following a youth-driven revolt. Currently, her Awami League party is prohibited from participating in elections. Hasina has been a staunch adversary of Jamaat, overseeing trials that resulted in death sentences for many of its leaders, accused of war crimes during the 1971 struggle for independence.

The party had faced a prohibition from elections since 2013 after a court ruled that its charter violated the secular constitution of Bangladesh. This ban was lifted in August 2024 by a caretaker government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, facilitating Jamaat's return.

Moreover, Jamaat emphasizes the importance of maintaining balanced foreign relations. Rahman stated that Bangladesh should foster equitable ties with all nations, including India and Pakistan. He confirmed a meeting with an Indian diplomat earlier this year, advocating for open and respectful relationships. Rahman clarified that Jamaat does not wish to align excessively with any single country, striving instead for harmonious international connections.

Rahman also mentioned that any government involving Jamaat may find it challenging to collaborate with current President Mohammed Shahabuddin, who was elected with Awami League backing. The president has suggested he might resign before the end of his term.

As the February elections draw near, Jamaat-e-Islami’s role underscores the shifting political dynamics in Bangladesh. Whether the party becomes part of a unity government or stands in opposition, its return is anticipated to significantly influence the future trajectory of Bangladesh’s political landscape.