Brussels, Feb 5 (NationPress) With the upcoming elections in Bangladesh scheduled for February 12, the outlook seems increasingly bleak, particularly for minority groups, who may face a regime that fails to treat them as equal citizens.

The interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, has been criticized for its inability to facilitate a smooth transition. Instead of fostering peace, it has harmed the economy, taken unlawful actions against business entities, permitted violence against minorities, exacerbated social rifts, and ignored the rising Islamist threat, as highlighted in a report published Thursday.

According to a sensational report on US-Bangladesh relations from a well-known international media outlet, the Brussels-based news source 'EU Reporter' disclosed an audio leak where a US diplomat in Dhaka expressed a desire for Jamaat-e-Islami to be considered the country’s “friends.”

While establishing diplomatic relations with emerging political factions is not uncommon, the report points out that Jamaat is notable as Bangladesh’s largest Islamist party, having been designated a terrorist organization by Russia for over two decades.

“Even after losing its electoral registration over ten years ago due to a surge in anti-Hindu violence, Jamaat is currently polling second, just a month before the general elections in Bangladesh. If the US backs Jamaat, it represents a major shift and potentially marks one of the State Department's most significant missteps in recent years,” the report elaborated.

“Emerging from a movement that opposed the creation of Bangladesh and inspired by the Muslim Brotherhood, Jamaat allied itself with Pakistan following the Partition of India. During the Bangladesh War of Independence, they created brutal paramilitary units targeting civilians who opposed independence,” it further noted.

Following the removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024, an executive action lifted the ban on Jamaat, and in 2025, a Bangladeshi court restored its political party registration.

The report indicates that after its revival, Jamaat has solidified its position in Bangladesh’s political landscape, gaining more influence. The growing popularity of Jamaat raises alarms about conservative Islamic values, especially as societal divisions deepen.

Since the protests in July 2024, the report mentioned that Bangladesh has experienced mob violence against women, the cancellation of girls' sports events, and numerous horrific incidents of sexual violence against women and children throughout the nation.

“For a country that has been celebrated for its female leadership, this regression is profoundly troubling,” it commented.

Furthermore, the report stated, “In a nation now sharply divided along religious lines, grappling with the persistent aftermath of the Rohingya refugee crisis, and navigating deteriorating relations with India, the forthcoming elections may not bring the optimism many are seeking.”