From Momentum to Missed Opportunity: What Happened to Jamaat-e-Islami in Bangladesh’s Election?

Jamaat’s High Hopes Meet Political Reality in Bangladesh’s 2026 Election

In the run-up to Bangladesh’s general election on February 12, there was a noticeable sense of optimism within the ranks of the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. Political analysts in Dhaka speculated that the party could be heading toward its strongest electoral showing since the country’s independence. Jamaat leaders themselves signaled they weren’t just contesting the election — they were aiming for a serious shot at national power.

But as the results began to take shape, the mood shifted.

While the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rahman, declared victory and international leaders extended congratulations, Jamaat took a more cautious stance. A day after voting, the party publicly raised concerns about the credibility of the results process. It stated that it was not satisfied with how the results were being handled and urged supporters to remain patient, noting that official tallies had yet to be released.

Meanwhile, political momentum appeared firmly in the BNP’s favor. The party claimed a decisive win in what was the first general election following the dramatic and violent 2024 uprising that reshaped Bangladesh’s political landscape. With victory in sight, Tarique Rahman is now poised to become prime minister. Even before final counts were announced, the United States embassy in Dhaka described the BNP’s success as a “historic victory.”

Early Momentum — and How It Faded

Immediately after the July 2024 student-led uprising that toppled the Awami League government under Sheikh Hasina, Jamaat appeared energized and strategically positioned. The party had played an active role in the protests, and with the Awami League barred from contesting the election, the political field narrowed considerably. For the first time in years, Jamaat was no longer operating from the fringes.

There was also a brief tactical advantage. Tarique Rahman entered the race relatively late, which gave Jamaat time to organize and consolidate support in areas where the BNP’s campaign machinery was still gaining momentum.

However, that early head start did not last.

As campaigning intensified, key voter groups began shifting toward the BNP. Young voters — many of whom had fueled the 2024 uprising — largely favored the BNP over Jamaat. Women voters did not support Jamaat in the numbers the party had hoped for. Minority communities, including Hindus, also leaned toward the BNP. Even Awami League supporters who chose to vote did not gravitate toward Jamaat; instead, they consolidated behind the BNP.

What initially looked like an open field gradually became a consolidated one — and it benefited the BNP.

The US Angle and Political Accusations

Jamaat’s campaign also unfolded amid reports from The Washington Post suggesting that American diplomats were increasing engagement with the party. The newspaper cited audio recordings indicating quiet outreach efforts and reported that a US diplomat had sought to ease concerns about Jamaat’s stance on Islamic law.

The revelations added another layer of political tension.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir accused Jamaat of striking a secret understanding with the United States, warning that any such arrangement could threaten Bangladesh’s sovereignty and stability.

Jamaat did not confirm any formal agreement but maintained that its meetings with foreign diplomats were routine discussions ahead of the Thirteenth National Parliamentary Election. In official statements, the party described these meetings as cordial and focused on ensuring a “free, fair, and acceptable” election. It emphasized discussions about strengthening democracy, trade, and international cooperation.

Among those who met Jamaat leadership was French Ambassador Jean-Marc Sere-Charlet, who visited the party’s central office in Dhaka. Jamaat characterized the discussions as constructive and centered on electoral transparency and bilateral cooperation.

A Complicated Histor

To understand Jamaat’s present challenges, one must look at its past.

Founded in 1941 by Islamic scholar Syed Abul Ala Maududi, Jamaat opposed Bangladesh’s independence during the 1971 Liberation War and sided with West Pakistan. Leaders associated with the party were linked to paramilitary groups such as Razakar, Al-Badr, and Al-Shams, which were accused of grave human rights abuses during the war.

After independence, Jamaat was banned in 1972 for using religion in politics, though the ban was lifted in 1979. Over time, it entered coalition governments with the BNP and even held ministerial positions.

During Sheikh Hasina’s tenure from 2009 to 2024, Jamaat leaders faced prosecution at the International Crimes Tribunal. Senior figures such as Motiur Rahman Nizami and Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mojaheed were executed. In 2013, the Bangladesh High Court canceled Jamaat’s political registration, ruling that its charter conflicted with the constitution.

For more than a decade, Jamaat operated in political isolation.

Rebranding for a New Er

The July 2024 uprising changed that.

Emerging from years of marginalization, Jamaat sought to reposition itself. It embraced the language of reform, branding itself as “pro-Uprising” and “anti-fascist.” The party began emphasizing minority rights, nominated its first Hindu candidate, and softened its public rhetoric around Sharia law.

Party leader Shafiqur Rahman highlighted themes of unity and inclusion during campaign speeches, saying that both women and men would work together to build the Bangladesh of tomorrow. He pledged zero tolerance for violence against women and promised a justice-based, corruption-free society.

Rahman also attempted to differentiate Jamaat from the BNP, arguing that if his 10-party alliance won, power would not belong to any single family or political group, but to the people.

Still, Jamaat’s past continued to influence public perception. Its advocacy of Sharia-based legislation, earlier opposition to certain women’s rights reforms, allegations of student-wing violence, concerns among minority communities, and accusations of financial misconduct among some leaders remained part of the national conversation.

Between Aspiration and Reality

For Jamaat, this election was about more than seats — it was about rehabilitation and relevance. The party entered the race confident that the political reshuffle following the 2024 uprising had opened a door. But as results unfolded, it became clear that voter consolidation favored the BNP.

The election ultimately underscored a hard political truth: reshaping public memory and rebuilding trust takes longer than a single campaign cycle.

Jamaat’s ambitions may not have materialized as expected, but its renewed presence signals that Bangladesh’s political landscape remains fluid — and far from settled.