As the forthcoming national election looms, Islamic political parties have captured the attention of key players like BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami.
Both parties are actively engaging in efforts to forge alliances with Islamic-oriented political groups, with separate initiatives underway.
Simultaneously, plans for broader coalitions are being formulated, as Jamaat aspires to establish a coalition with like-minded groups, including Islami Andolon.
Reliable sources reveal that Jamaat’s coalition strategy includes positioning itself as an alternative to BNP in certain constituencies, preparing for the possibility of friction in their longstanding partnership.
On Tuesday (21 January), the longstanding rift between Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman and Islami Andolon Ameer Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim (Chormonai Pir) appeared to subside, as the two leaders shook hands publicly and pledged to work together.
Despite these developments, the BNP remains keen on expanding its informal coalition of nearly 40 parties and avoiding any major conflict with Jamaat at this critical juncture.
BNP Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan, addressing journalists after a meeting in Gulshan, remarked, “Political alliances are natural among groups with aligned views. Decisions are taken as deemed necessary, and no one should be overly concerned about it.”
Similarly, another BNP leader, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, clarified, “There’s no formal alliance at present. However, joint efforts continue to oust the fascist government.”
He downplayed the notion of any discord, stating, “Jamaat and BNP have their separate ideologies, but there’s no distance between the two parties.”
Jamaat is reportedly targeting several unregistered Islamic parties for its proposed coalition, including Khilafat Majlis, Bangladesh Muslim League, and Nezam-e-Islam Party.
Negotiations are ongoing, with Islami Andolon facilitating early meetings among six Qawmi Madrasah-based groups.
If successful, the coalition might even attract Hefazat-e-Islam’s support, potentially boosting its electoral significance.
However, progress remains sluggish.
The envisioned coalition seeks to secure proportional representation (PR) and guarantee a consolidated voter base for Islamic candidates, aiming to reduce votes for the major parties, BNP and Awami League.
This sentiment was echoed by Jamaat Secretary General Professor Mia Golam Parwar, who noted, “Discussions are underway, but nothing has been finalised yet. A framework for the coalition is being developed.”
Meanwhile, Islami Andolon Senior Nayeb-e-Ameer and Chormonai Pir Mufti Syed Muhammad Faizul Karim shared that his meeting with Jamaat’s Ameer was “courteous” and not indicative of any finalised decisions.
He added, “Efforts to form a Greater Islamic Coalition are ongoing, and we hope to see unity among Islamic groups before the elections.”
Outside the sphere of Islamic politics, Jamaat and Islami Andolon are attempting to attract partners from BNP’s broader coalition, particularly smaller parties such as Labour Party, Gono Odhikar Parishad, and NDM, led by Bobby Hajjaj.
Observers suggest that the coalition’s structure will hinge largely on Awami League’s decision to contest the elections.
Should Awami League abstain, BNP might allocate seats to Islamic groups, further incentivising unity.
The BNP, for its part, is also reinforcing ties with long-time allies Khilafat Majlis and Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis.
Informal discussions with other Islamic parties involved in the joint anti-government movement continue.
However, internal rifts remain a potential stumbling block, as some allied parties, such as AB Party, categorically refuse to ally with Jamaat.
Its chairman, Mojibur Rahman Monju, stated, “We will not form an alliance with Jamaat. Other coalitions are open to consideration.”
Efforts to unify Islamic political parties, with a view to maximising their parliamentary representation and influence, reflect a broader strategy to reshape Bangladesh’s political landscape.
However, the pace of progress and competing ambitions within and outside Islamic groups underscore the complexities of coalition-building ahead of the polls.
