Is a Rift Emerging in the Jamaat-led Alliance Ahead of the February Polls?
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Synopsis
As Bangladesh readies for the crucial general elections on February 12, internal discord is brewing within the Jamaat-e-Islami-led coalition over unresolved seat-sharing disputes. This division raises serious questions about the coalition's unity and its future prospects in the elections.
Key Takeaways
- Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance facing internal conflicts.
- Seat-sharing agreements are a major point of contention.
- Islami Andolan Bangladesh has reduced its seat demands.
- Political tensions are escalating as elections approach.
- Negotiations have not resolved key disagreements.
Dhaka, Jan 14 (NationPress) As Bangladesh prepares for the general elections on February 12, divisions have started to appear within the Jamaat-e-Islami-led coalition due to escalating disputes over seat-sharing. This discord persists despite a looming deadline for finalizing agreements, according to local media sources.
As reported by the prominent Bengali newspaper, Prothom Alo, eight out of the eleven coalition partners have successfully negotiated a seat-sharing deal with Jamaat. However, both Islami Andolan Bangladesh and Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis remain at an impasse.
Insiders reveal that Islami Andolan initially aimed to contest over a hundred seats but has since decreased its demand to more than fifty.
Nonetheless, dissatisfaction has arisen as Jamaat's proposal of 40 seats has not met Islami Andolan's expectations. While some members are open to a compromise of 40 to 45 seats, others insist that their original demands warrant a reevaluation of the agreement.
Meanwhile, leaders from Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis indicated that discussions with Jamaat took place on Monday, yet disagreements over seat allocation continue, as Jamaat is not willing to satisfy their requests.
A central committee leader from Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, speaking anonymously, stated their party is seeking 25 to 30 seats, while Jamaat is only offering a maximum of 20 seats.
He noted that if their desired seats are not allocated, they may field candidates in all seats where no consensus is reached.
Local reports indicate that Jamaat and Islami Andolan, two of the most significant Islamist parties in Bangladesh, have been engaged in discussions for over three months to unify Islamist votes under a coalition of eight primarily Islamist parties.
Despite prolonged negotiations, talks fell through just before the December 29, 2025 nomination deadline, leading both parties to file nominations in hundreds of seats, creating significant unrest within the alliance, as highlighted by The Daily Star.
Data from the Election Commission shows that Jamaat submitted nominations in 276 seats on the deadline, while Islami Andolan filed in 268 seats.
As Bangladesh approaches its elections on February 12, political tensions are escalating, with increasing fractures across party lines.
Point of View
The unfolding disputes within the Jamaat-led alliance highlight significant challenges ahead of the February elections. The internal disagreements reflect broader political tensions in Bangladesh, emphasizing the need for unity among coalition partners to effectively represent their collective interests. As the situation evolves, it remains crucial for the coalition to resolve these issues to maintain their electoral viability.
NationPress
14/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main reasons for the rift within the Jamaat-led alliance?
The primary reason for the rift is ongoing disagreements over seat-sharing arrangements among the coalition partners, particularly between Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, and Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis.
How many seats is Islami Andolan Bangladesh seeking?
Islami Andolan Bangladesh initially sought to contest more than a hundred seats but has reduced its demand to over fifty.
What is Jamaat's offer to Islami Andolan Bangladesh?
Jamaat has offered Islami Andolan Bangladesh 40 seats, which has led to dissatisfaction among some party leaders.
What is the status of seat-sharing negotiations?
Negotiations have been ongoing for over three months, but significant disagreements remain, particularly with the Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis also facing a shortfall in their seat demands.
How many nominations did Jamaat and Islami Andolan file?
On the final nomination day, Jamaat filed nominations in 276 seats while Islami Andolan submitted papers for 268 seats.
