Islami Andolan Breaks Away from Jamaat Alliance Ahead of Bangladesh Elections
Political Shift in Bangladesh
Dhaka: A significant Islamic political party has declared its departure from the Jamaat-e-Islami-led coalition, marking a pivotal moment as Bangladesh approaches its general elections.
Gazi Ataur Rahman, the Senior Joint Secretary-General of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, informed the media that the party's decision to exit the 11-party alliance stemmed from perceived injustices in seat distribution. He further criticized the Jamaat-led coalition for straying from Islamic principles.
Islami Andolan plans to contest independently in the elections, aiming for 268 out of the 300 parliamentary seats, while expressing intentions to support suitable candidates in the remaining constituencies.
Ataur Rahman noted that discussions regarding seat allocations were held between the Jamaat chief and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party's Chairman Tarique Rahman, without any consultation with Islami Andolan.
This announcement officially concludes Islami Andolan's involvement in the Jamaat-led coalition.
The decision follows a recent grand alliance meeting that allocated 179 seats to Jamaat and 30 to the student-led National Citizen Party (NCP), leaving only 47 seats for Islami Andolan, which chose to boycott the meeting.
Jamaat is recognized as the largest Islamic political party in Bangladesh, while Islami Andolan is believed to have substantial grassroots support.
In the evolving political landscape, the BNP has emerged as a leading force, while the interim government has halted all activities of the ousted premier Sheikh Hasina's Awami League.
Islamic political factions recently united to form a grand alliance aimed at consolidating their voter base under a unified strategy, despite their ideological differences.
Comments from Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman, expressing a desire to collaborate as in the past following a meeting with BNP Chairman on January 1, have caused discontent within Islami Andolan.
Ataur Rahman expressed surprise at Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman's assertion that, if in power, they would govern according to existing laws rather than Islamic Sharia.
He raised concerns that Jamaat had reached an agreement ahead of the elections, suggesting the possibility of a manipulated electoral process.
Jamaat's previous slogan emphasized a desire for divine law and honest governance, but Ataur Rahman claims they are now prioritizing power over their foundational principles.