Bangladesh's Political Landscape: The Resurgence of Jamaat-e-Islami
A Historical Overview of Bangladesh's Political Journey
Since the Partition that led to the creation of West and East Pakistan, Bangladesh has undergone significant political transformations. The rise of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's Awami League marked the beginning of its journey towards independence, followed by a fluctuating political scene dominated by Sheikh Hasina and Begum Khaleda Zia of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The political landscape shifted dramatically when Hasina fled, leading to a transitional government under Muhammad Yunus.
The anti-India sentiment that initially contributed to the division has resurfaced, with Bangladesh moving away from its secular roots towards a more Islamic identity, reminiscent of its former counterpart, West Pakistan. A notable aspect of this shift is the resurgence of Jamaat-e-Islami, the largest Islamist political party in the country.
In 2013, Hasina's government banned Jamaat-e-Islami, accusing it of links to terrorist organizations, including the infamous Islamic State. Despite this, intelligence reports indicate that the party has remained influential, particularly in the recent anti-Hasina protests led by the Students against Discrimination (SAD). The transitional government under Yunus has now lifted the ban, allowing Jamaat to re-establish itself.
Recently, the Bangladesh Supreme Court reinstated Jamaat-e-Islami's political registration, which had been revoked by the High Court in 2013. This decision clears the way for the party to participate in upcoming elections, including the 13th parliamentary elections scheduled soon.
The revival of Jamaat-e-Islami poses challenges for Khaleda Zia, whose BNP had gained prominence after Yunus's ban on the Awami League. In light of this, the BNP has been attempting to distance itself from Jamaat, despite their previous collaboration to oust Hasina. The re-entry of Jamaat, known for its radical political stance, coupled with the shifting dynamics with the BNP and the potential for violence from Awami League supporters, suggests that the upcoming elections could be tumultuous. This resurgence is particularly concerning for India, especially the Northeast region, which has historically been affected by Jamaat's subversive activities. Therefore, it is crucial to enhance security and intelligence measures and address the issue of Bangladeshi nationals residing in India.