In a notable shift in local political dynamics, more than 100 leaders and activists from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Islami Andolan Bangladesh officially joined Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Saturday night.
The mass joining took place during an event in Hatia Union, Ulipur Upazila, as political alignments continue to fluctuate ahead of the February 12 national elections.
Barrister Mahbubul Alam Salehi, the Jamaat-e-Islami candidate for the Kurigram-3 (Ulipur) constituency, welcomed the new members with flowers. The group includes veteran politicians who have been active in BNP and Islamic Movement circles for decades.
Notable figures among the newcomers are Shafiur Rahman and Abdul Hakim: Former presidents of Hatia Union BNP. Nur Mohammad Ali (Former Hatia Union president of Islami Andolan Bangladesh). Sumon Mia, Recently departed president of the local Union Chhatra Dal. Nurul Hossain Sarkar, Former Ward No. 6 BNP president.
Defecting members stated that their decision followed "long deliberation," citing Jamaat-e-Islami’s focus on Islamic ideals and moral politics as the primary reason for their switch.
Barrister Salehi noted that the influx of youth and veteran leaders from other parties is a growing trend that will "strengthen the organization" as they campaign to build what he described as a "Ulipur of Justice."
This move comes as Jamaat-e-Islami seeks to expand its footprint in the northern districts, capitalizing on the current political transition to consolidate its voter base.
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