Bangladesh Elections: Jamati-Islami Sparks Fears Amid High-Stakes Polling

Dhaka: With less than a day to go before Bangladesh heads to the polls, tensions are running high over the role of the hardline Islamic party, Jamaat-e-Islami. Many citizens are expressing apprehension at the mere prospect of the party’s potential victory.

The upcoming national elections, scheduled for Thursday, February 12, are the first since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government. The main contest is expected between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami, both of which have claimed they are poised for victory. The elections are taking place amid a backdrop of rising divisions and violence following Hasina’s departure. The country’s largest party, the Awami League, has been sidelined from the polls by an interim government led by Muhammad Yunus.

With the Awami League absent, all eyes are on Jamaat-e-Islami, often considered pro-Pakistan. Celebrities and cultural figures have voiced their concern about the party’s growing influence. With voting just 24 hours away, fears have also emerged regarding potential electoral irregularities by Jamaat supporters.

Concerns Over Extremist Tactics

Many observers fear that Jamaat-e-Islami may go to any lengths to secure victory. The party has recently gained attention for its loyalty to Pakistan, having sided with the Pakistani army during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.

The absence of Awami League leadership has provided Jamaat an opportunity to consolidate its influence. Although Sheikh Hasina has urged her supporters to stay away from voting, reports suggest that many may still cast ballots for Jamaat or BNP, often as a means to avoid violence rather than out of ideological alignment.

Entrenchment in Key Positions

Since Hasina’s government stepped down, Jamaat has strengthened its organizational base. Under Yunus’ interim government, the party strategically placed its supporters within police, bureaucracy, and military ranks, securing critical positions. Among them are Home Secretary Nasimul Ghani, formerly head of the extremist organization Hizb ut-Tahrir, Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasiruddin, and Anti-Corruption Commissioner Mohammad Abdul Momen, all associated with hardline Islamic views.

Election Preparations and Voter Outreach

Jamaat-e-Islami’s election strategy has raised further concerns. Recently, the party has reportedly collected millions of National Identity cards across Dhaka and other regions. To attract voters, it has presented an extensive list of promises, including eliminating bribery in government offices and courts if it comes to power.

The party’s student wing, Shibir, has warned of potential violence should another party win. Considering the recent spate of pre-election violent incidents, analysts suggest such threats cannot be dismissed. Both Jamaat and BNP are believed capable of escalating unrest if they face electoral defeat, and concerns persist about potential misuse of weapons by anarchic elements during the polls.

As Bangladesh braces for a historic election, the stakes remain high, with the nation’s stability and democratic future hanging in the balance.