A significant political realignment is taking shape in Bangladesh as qawmi madrassa-centred Islamist parties move closer to forming a unified electoral alliance ahead of the February 2026 parliamentary elections, with Jamaat-e-Islami now firmly onboard despite its recent ties to the BNP.With the interim government committed to holding national elections by early 2026, Islamist parties are accelerating efforts to overcome long-standing ideological divisions and forge a cohesive front.Leaders from across the spectrum confirm that unity is no longer a distant dream but a "sure path" – one that now includes Jamaat-e-Islami, marking a pivotal shift in the country’s political landscape.
Jamaat at the centre of the equation
After years of political marginalisation and state crackdowns during the previous regime, described by leaders as a “fascist era”, Islamist parties say the mass uprising of July 2024 has created a new political reality. In this “new Bangladesh,” they argue, unity outweighs division.
Notably, Jamaat-e-Islami, historically aligned with the BNP and opposed by the Qawmi madrassa-based groups, is now actively engaging with other Islamist groups, including Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, Nezame Islam Party, and Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan. While formal seat-sharing agreements remain pending, party leaders say the momentum is unmistakable.
“The process of unity is progressing very positively,” said Selim Uddin, amir of Jamaat-e-Islami’s Dhaka City North unit. “Differences and ideological divisions will no longer be an issue. In a country where 90 per cent are Muslims, we must stand together. There will be unity.”
Jamaat included: ‘Almost certain’ alliance
Principal Md Yunus Ahmed, Secretary General of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, affirmed that Jamaat’s inclusion is “almost certain.”
“We are in constant communication with all parties. Those from the Qaumi family are fairly united. Before or after the election schedule is announced, we will sit down and finalise seat distribution. We are definitely moving towards an agreement.”
He listed Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolan, Khelafat Majlis, Nezame Islam, and Khelafat Andolan as key players already on board, expressing confidence that a broad Islamist coalition will emerge.
BNP’s overtures rejected
Despite attempts by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to draw Islamist parties back into its fold, Islamist leaders are sending a clear message: the old alliances are over.
Selim Uddin of Jamaat acknowledged BNP’s outreach but questioned its credibility: “BNP is trying to pull Islamic parties closer – that’s an open secret. But how can Islamic parties align with a party that reeks of fundamentalism? We are focused on unity among ourselves, not returning to past politics.”
Echoing this, Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman, Joint Secretary General and spokesperson of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, dismissed the BNP’s relevance in the current political climate: “BNP’s character has not changed. They are still clinging to the same old political culture. Those who fail to understand the spirit of July will remain trapped in the past.”
He warned that any unity excluding Jamaat would be ineffective: “If Islamist forces remain divided, votes will split. Unity without Jamaat has no electoral value. We need every Islamic vote consolidated.”
9-point consensus among ‘Qawmi’ groups
On July 25, top leaders of four qawmi madrassa-affiliated parties, including Maulana Mamunul Haque (Amir, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis), Dr Ahmad Abdul Quader, Maulana Abdul Majed Athari, and Principal Yunus Ahmed, met and reached a 9-point consensus to fast-track unity. Though Jamaat did not send a representative, Islami Andolan stressed the process is moving forward with Jamaat at its core.
The consensus includes commitments to: Accelerate alliance formation; promote electoral coordination; uphold Islamic values in governance; support national reforms aligned with the July Charter; and ensure voter unity among Islamic constituencies.
Unity without merger: A coalition of equals
Leaders emphasise that the goal is not a merger, but a strategic electoral alliance where each party retains its identity, principles, and organisational autonomy.
“We won’t dissolve into one party,” said Gazi Ataur Rahman. “We will remain separate, with different creeds, even differences with Ahle Hadith, but we must unite at the ballot box. Can we expel someone from the nation just because they pray differently? No. We are all citizens. We all need a voice.”
He added that the public strongly desires unity: “People believe this may be the Islamists’ last chance to make a difference. They want to see action, not infighting.”
‘Our unity will be fruitful’
Ehsanul Mahbub Zobayer, Assistant Secretary General of Jamaat-e-Islami, expressed optimism: “Discussions are ongoing. The July Charter and institutional reforms are part of this process. Once these are settled, the alliance will take shape. The name or format doesn’t matter – what matters is that we stand together.”
A new political force in the making?
With the 2026 elections on the horizon, the emerging Islamist alliance, centred on Jamaat-e-Islami, could reshape Bangladesh’s political dynamics. Once fragmented and weakened, these parties now see an opportunity to reclaim influence by uniting under a shared vision of Islamic values, electoral consolidation, and post-July reform. Whether this unity translates into seats and power remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the Islamist bloc is no longer waiting on the sidelines. It is preparing together.
Jamaat at the centre of the equation
After years of political marginalisation and state crackdowns during the previous regime, described by leaders as a “fascist era”, Islamist parties say the mass uprising of July 2024 has created a new political reality. In this “new Bangladesh,” they argue, unity outweighs division.
Notably, Jamaat-e-Islami, historically aligned with the BNP and opposed by the Qawmi madrassa-based groups, is now actively engaging with other Islamist groups, including Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, Nezame Islam Party, and Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan. While formal seat-sharing agreements remain pending, party leaders say the momentum is unmistakable.
“The process of unity is progressing very positively,” said Selim Uddin, amir of Jamaat-e-Islami’s Dhaka City North unit. “Differences and ideological divisions will no longer be an issue. In a country where 90 per cent are Muslims, we must stand together. There will be unity.”
Jamaat included: ‘Almost certain’ alliance
Principal Md Yunus Ahmed, Secretary General of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, affirmed that Jamaat’s inclusion is “almost certain.”
“We are in constant communication with all parties. Those from the Qaumi family are fairly united. Before or after the election schedule is announced, we will sit down and finalise seat distribution. We are definitely moving towards an agreement.”
He listed Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolan, Khelafat Majlis, Nezame Islam, and Khelafat Andolan as key players already on board, expressing confidence that a broad Islamist coalition will emerge.
BNP’s overtures rejected
Despite attempts by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to draw Islamist parties back into its fold, Islamist leaders are sending a clear message: the old alliances are over.
Selim Uddin of Jamaat acknowledged BNP’s outreach but questioned its credibility: “BNP is trying to pull Islamic parties closer – that’s an open secret. But how can Islamic parties align with a party that reeks of fundamentalism? We are focused on unity among ourselves, not returning to past politics.”
Echoing this, Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman, Joint Secretary General and spokesperson of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, dismissed the BNP’s relevance in the current political climate: “BNP’s character has not changed. They are still clinging to the same old political culture. Those who fail to understand the spirit of July will remain trapped in the past.”
He warned that any unity excluding Jamaat would be ineffective: “If Islamist forces remain divided, votes will split. Unity without Jamaat has no electoral value. We need every Islamic vote consolidated.”
9-point consensus among ‘Qawmi’ groups
On July 25, top leaders of four qawmi madrassa-affiliated parties, including Maulana Mamunul Haque (Amir, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis), Dr Ahmad Abdul Quader, Maulana Abdul Majed Athari, and Principal Yunus Ahmed, met and reached a 9-point consensus to fast-track unity. Though Jamaat did not send a representative, Islami Andolan stressed the process is moving forward with Jamaat at its core.
The consensus includes commitments to: Accelerate alliance formation; promote electoral coordination; uphold Islamic values in governance; support national reforms aligned with the July Charter; and ensure voter unity among Islamic constituencies.
Unity without merger: A coalition of equals
Leaders emphasise that the goal is not a merger, but a strategic electoral alliance where each party retains its identity, principles, and organisational autonomy.
“We won’t dissolve into one party,” said Gazi Ataur Rahman. “We will remain separate, with different creeds, even differences with Ahle Hadith, but we must unite at the ballot box. Can we expel someone from the nation just because they pray differently? No. We are all citizens. We all need a voice.”
He added that the public strongly desires unity: “People believe this may be the Islamists’ last chance to make a difference. They want to see action, not infighting.”
‘Our unity will be fruitful’
Ehsanul Mahbub Zobayer, Assistant Secretary General of Jamaat-e-Islami, expressed optimism: “Discussions are ongoing. The July Charter and institutional reforms are part of this process. Once these are settled, the alliance will take shape. The name or format doesn’t matter – what matters is that we stand together.”
A new political force in the making?
With the 2026 elections on the horizon, the emerging Islamist alliance, centred on Jamaat-e-Islami, could reshape Bangladesh’s political dynamics. Once fragmented and weakened, these parties now see an opportunity to reclaim influence by uniting under a shared vision of Islamic values, electoral consolidation, and post-July reform. Whether this unity translates into seats and power remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the Islamist bloc is no longer waiting on the sidelines. It is preparing together.