The recent developments in Bangladesh’s political landscape reveal deep divisions among radical Islamist groups ahead of the February 12 general election, even as they vie for greater influence under the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.
Islami Andolan Bangladesh, led by the Chormonai Pir, has declared it will not join the Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party alliance for seat sharing. In a press conference on January 16, senior joint secretary general and spokesperson Gazi Ataur Rahman announced that the party will contest independently in 268 constituencies after submitting nominations in 270 seats (with two cancelled).
The decision stems from failed negotiations, where Islami Andolan felt shortchanged despite its ideological strength and long-standing efforts to establish an Islamic state. Ataur emphasised that the party could not betray its workers’ or the public’s religious sentiments by compromising on core goals.
Ataur sharply criticised Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman for stating that, if in power, Jamaat would govern according to existing laws rather than fully implementing Sharia. He argued this deviation from the fundamental slogan of “Allah’s law and rule by the righteous” betrays the Islamist cause at a time when opportunities for power have emerged post the July uprising.
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Islami Andolan insists on replacing secular laws, which it blames for inequality, injustice, and lack of peace, with Islamic law that promises equality for all regardless of religion or caste.
In contrast, Jamaat-e-Islami proceeded with the alliance announcement on January 15, allocating seats among most partners while leaving room for ongoing talks with Islami Andolan. Dr. Shafiqur Rahman expressed hope for unity and stressed mutual decisions rather than one-sided concessions.
The Jamaat-led alliance includes parties such as Yunus’ National Citizen Party (NCP), the Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, and the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
According to the announced list, Jamaat-e-Islami will contest in 179 seats. The NCP has received 30 seats. In addition, among the other partners, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis has received 20 seats, Khelafat Majlis 10 seats, LDP 7 seats, AB Party 3 seats, Bangladesh Development Party (BDP) 2 seats, and Nezam-e-Islami Party 2 seats.
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The seat-sharing breakdown is a key indicator of the power dynamics within the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance, particularly Jamaat-e-Islami’s dominant position (securing nearly 70% of the allocated 253 seats), which underscores the greed for power and control among these radical Islamist groups despite their ideological alignments and public calls for unity.
This allocation fueled Islami Andolan’s frustration, as they felt marginalised (initially reserved only ~47 seats in the announcement, far below their expectations), leading to their independent contest in 268 seats.
Despite shared radical Islamist roots and goals of promoting Islamic governance, these groups’ inability to unite exposes a clear greed for power. Disagreements over seat allocations—Islami Andolan’s demands far exceeding Jamaat’s offers—highlight how personal and organisational ambitions override calls for Islamist solidarity. This fragmentation risks splitting the Islamist vote, yet each faction aggressively pursues electoral dominance to advance its version of an Islamic agenda.
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These radical Islamist parties, particularly Jamaat-e-Islami, serve as influential stakeholders in the Yunus-led interim government. The administration has facilitated their resurgence by lifting bans, acquitting convicted war criminal ATM Azhar, releasing associated figures, and incorporating their input into reforms.
Critics argue this has emboldened extremism, with Jamaat and allies linked to anti-India narratives, minority concerns, and campaigns portraying secular elements as threats. Their positioning in the interim setup amplifies their role in shaping Bangladesh’s direction toward greater Islamization, even as internal rivalries persist.
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