By Admin 
This time there is a lot of discussion about Jamaat in Bangladesh elections. Meanwhile, voting for the general elections has started in the neighboring country. Elections are being held on 300 seats in Bangladesh. During this time, Jamaat-e-Islami, which has been opposing the independence of Bangladesh from Pakistan, now seems to be making an important place for itself in the electoral scenario of Bangladesh. Jamaat-e-Islami, which was considered the opponent of Bangladesh liberation movement for the last several decades, is now being seen as the main rival of BNP in the elections of Bangladesh.
Jamaat-e-Islami leader Shafiqur Rehman, who remained in jail for years, and his party Jamaat-e-Islami were banned from elections on charges of promoting fundamentalist thinking and fanaticism. Now the same Shafikur Rahman has become the poster boy of Bangladesh. Shafiqur Rahman, a 67-year-old doctor by profession, is also a contender for the post of Prime Minister from Jamaat-e-Islami Alliance. Shafiqur Rehman joined Jamaat in the year 1984 and was made the President of Jamaat-e-Islami in the year 2019-20. NCP, which emerged from the student movement, is also included in this alliance led by Shafiqur Rahman.
Jamaat-e-Islami fundamentalist organization
Jamaat-e-Islami first acquired stake in the Bangladesh Nationalist Party government in 2001. At that time some members of Jamaat were part of the cabinet. Khaleda Zia used to be the Prime Minister of Bangladesh in 2001, but whenever Sheikh Hasina was in power, she kept strict restrictions on Jamaat-e-Islami. Jamaat-e-Islami has been seen as a fundamentalist organization. The thinking of this organization is considered extremist. However, Shafiqur Rahman is trying to present the image of this organization in a different way in the elections of 2026. Some leaders of the Jamaat are now seen talking about humanity instead of religion. The thinking of the leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami has been seen to be quite narrow. Especially in the matter of giving representation to women, this party has very conservative thinking. In the general elections of 2026, Jamaat-e-Islami has not fielded a woman candidate on even a single seat.
Talk of better relations with India
In the past, Jamaat-e-Islami has been seen more inclined towards Pakistan. However, in the changing equation, when there is a direct fight between Jamaat-e-Islami and BNP in Bangladesh, Jamaat-e-Islami is talking about better relations with other neighboring countries including India. Jamaat-e-Islami has a student organization, which is known as Chhatra Shibir. After the coup of 2024, Chhatra Shibir has won the elections of 4 student organizations including Dhaka University. In the general elections, Jamaat-e-Islami is contesting on 224 seats and its main ally NCP is on 30 seats. Candidates from other 9 parties are contesting on the remaining seats.
Promise of corruption free government
Jamaat-e-Islami is promising a corruption-free government in its election campaign. Apart from this, more emphasis is being laid on Islamic rules and regulations. Not only this, its leaders are appealing to move away from BNP and Awami League and vote for Jamaat once. Jamaat has made corruption a big issue in the elections. NCP’s presence with Jamaat-e-Islami strengthens its equation, but Awami League supporters can never go with Jamaat. In such a situation, even if it is a compulsion, Awami League supporters can go with BNP. If this happens then the Jamaat will get a big blow. The minority community of Bangladesh is also not comfortable with the Jamaat. There are many concerns about Jamaat among the minorities of Bangladesh. Especially women have many questions regarding their rules and regulations. In such a situation, about 9 percent minority of Bangladesh may be seen keeping distance from the community. Not only this, there remains a fear from the Jamaat regarding election violence.
Ticket given to Hindu candidate also
Amidst these doubts and questions, Jamaat-e-Islami has also given ticket to a Hindu candidate on Khulna-1 seat of Bangladesh. This is being considered a symbolic step, Jamaat is trying to give the message through this ticket that it is not away from the minority community, but just one ticket is not enough to win the hearts and trust of the minority community. They remain worried about their safety and future. It is true that Jamaat-e-Islami will never get a chance for better elections, but will Jamaat-e-Islami be able to change its thinking and ways along with these elections? This is a very big question, the answer to which perhaps even Jamaat-e-Islami does not know.