Bangladesh Elections: Jamaat’s Kingmaker Ambitions Shattered as Tarique Rahman Turns ‘Friend’ into ‘Foe’

Dhaka: The return of Tarique Rahman, son of the former Prime Minister Zia, has injected fresh energy into Bangladesh’s election atmosphere, stirring both excitement and anxiety across the political spectrum. With Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina absent from the scene, Rahman and his party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), appear well-positioned to make a strong electoral push in the upcoming February elections. Rahman is being eyed by his party as the next Prime Minister.

However, the surge of BNP’s popularity is causing unease within Jamaat-e-Islami. According to an intelligence assessment reported by CNN-News18, Jamaat leaders fear that a BNP majority government could sideline their party, ending their longstanding role as political kingmakers. Once considered strategic partners, Jamaat may now find themselves excluded from post-election negotiations and influence.

Jamaat at the Margins
Jamaat insiders acknowledge that their traditional influence as political intermediaries is diminishing. BNP’s national vote share is projected to rise to 42–45 percent following Tarique Rahman’s return, far outstripping Jamaat’s 8–10 percent support base concentrated in Sylhet and northern Rangpur. This shift is expected to weaken Jamaat’s presence on the national political stage.

Tensions Within and Against Yunus
Jamaat leaders have expressed frustration toward Mohammad Yunus, accusing him of facilitating Tarique Rahman’s political rehabilitation. The June meeting in London between Yunus and Rahman, they claim, marked a turning point, as public statements following the meeting emphasized election timelines and democratic restoration—issues that Jamaat views as undermining their strategic position.

Jamaat leaders have also voiced strong objections to election-related activities conducted abroad, particularly in London, warning that such external interventions threaten domestic political ownership. Behind closed doors, frustration and anger are mounting within the party.

Tarique’s Return Sparks New Tensions
Tarique Rahman’s grand reception in Dhaka has further heightened Jamaat’s concerns. The party has accused BNP of violating election code regulations through large rallies, posters, and motorcades, while simultaneously removing Jamaat’s banners and slogans. Jamaat perceives the interim administration as favoring BNP, a development that could tip the electoral scales against them.

As the February elections approach, Jamaat-e-Islami faces a pivotal moment, with its kingmaker ambitions threatened and its political relevance increasingly uncertain.