In a major blow to Islamist unity ahead of the February general election, Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB) today announced its departure from the Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party alliance. The party cited deep ideological rifts and "secret understandings" with rival political forces as the reasons for the split.
Speaking at a press briefing at the party headquarters in Puratan Paltan, IAB Joint Secretary General and spokesperson Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman confirmed that the party will now contest the election independently using its "Hand Fan" symbol. The party plans to field candidates in 268 of the 300 parliamentary seats.
The fallout centered on a shift in Jamaat-e-Islami's political rhetoric. Gazi Ataur expressed "disbelief" over recent comments made by Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman, who reportedly stated that a Jamaat-led government would govern under existing secular laws rather than Sharia.
"We were astonished to hear the Jamaat Ameer reassure the Christian community that Sharia law would not be established," Gazi Ataur said. "If the primary Islamic force abandons its ideals for political gain, the dreams of millions of activists will remain unfulfilled."
He accused Jamaat of moving away from its core slogan, "Allah’s law and rule by honest people," to appease international and secular powers.
The IAB spokesperson also raised concerns regarding a potential "secret understanding" between Jamaat and the BNP. He referred to recent meetings between the Jamaat Ameer and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, suggesting a pre-arranged "national government" post-election.
"When secret deals are made with rivals before a vote, it raises suspicions of a 'selection' rather than a competitive election," he said. "We will not be part of a staged division of seats."
Out of 300 seats, IAB initially submitted 270 nominations, with 268 cleared following Election Commission appeals. For the remaining 32 seats, the party will support independent or other candidates who align with their ideology.
"Our 268 candidates are instructed to stay in the race. Not a single one will withdraw," Gazi Ataur emphasized, adding that the lack of mutual respect within the 11-party alliance made unity impossible.
The IAB's exit has left 50 seats vacant within the now 10-party coalition, sparking a scramble among remaining members for larger allocations: National Citizen Party (NCP): Expects its share to rise from 30 to 40 seats. Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish: Aiming to reclaim 12 additional seats previously dropped during negotiations. AB Party: Expected to push for an increase from three to eight seats.
Preliminary discussions to redistribute the vacated seats began late Friday at the Jamaat-e-Islami central office.
