In a striking shift on Bangladesh’s political stage, Jamaat-e-Islami – long sidelined for controversy, suppressed and branded a pariah under the previous Awami League government – is now at the centre of intense international attention. Since the dramatic political realignment of August 5, 2024, when the Awami League government fell, diplomats from across the globe have been quietly but steadily knocking on Jamaat’s door.The numbers speak volumes: between September 4 and 30 alone, envoys from 19 countries and three international organisations held formal meetings with Jamaat leaders. Over the past year, that figure has swelled to at least 35 nations including heavyweights like the United States, United Kingdom, China, Russia, France, Germany, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Iran, Pakistan and the European Union.
Even the Vatican and Bhutan have sent representatives. In just the last four days of September, ambassadors from Spain, Sweden, Argentina and Bhutan paid courtesy calls.
The EU Election Observation Mission met directly with Jamaat Amir Dr Shafiqur Rahman. Delegations from the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs and the European Parliament followed suit. Meanwhile, Jamaat representatives attended Malaysia’s National Day celebrations—a clear sign of re-engagement beyond South Asia.
What are they asking?
According to senior Jamaat insiders who spoke to Jago News on condition of anonymity, foreign diplomats are probing three core issues:
1. Jamaat’s political roadmap ahead of the next national elections (expected in 2026);
2. Its stance on democracy, human rights and governance;
3. Clarification on long-standing allegations—including accusations of extremism, links to violence, and demands for Sharia law.
“We’re being asked: What will Jamaat do now? What is your manifesto? Are you committed to democratic processes?” said one Executive Council member. “For 15 years, the Awami League blocked every diplomatic channel to us. No embassy would meet us. But now—doors are opening.”
Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad confirmed the thaw: “All obstacles have been removed. Diplomats want to hear the truth directly from us—not through propaganda.”
And what’s their reaction? “After listening to our side,” Azad revealed, “many say the negative narratives they’d heard were false and some even laugh, realising how distorted the picture had been.”
Student wing too joins the diplomatic game
Even Jamaat’s student wing, Islami Chhatra Shibir, is now part of this global outreach. Its leaders have visited China multiple times including President Zahidul Islam and Secretary General Nurul Islam Saddam at the invitation of the Chinese Communist Party.
“The Malaysian High Commissioner came to our office,” said Saddam. “We’re in contact with the EU, Middle Eastern missions, and Beijing. For a student organisation, this level of diplomatic engagement is unprecedented.”
An activist from Dhaka University put it bluntly: “NGOs, embassies, intelligence agencies everyone is watching Jamaat now. It’s no exaggeration to say that Bangladesh’s entire political orbit is revolving around this party again.”
Why the sudden interest? Experts weigh in
International relations scholars see this as a recalibration not a reversal of Western policy.
“Diplomats don’t act on rumours,” said Professor Ruhul Amin of Dhaka University. “For years, the Awami League successfully painted Jamaat as extremist to secure Western favour. But now, with a more pluralistic political landscape, the West is reassessing.”
He noted that Jamaat’s organisational strength, demonstrated in student union elections and mass mobilisations, has forced a rethink. “Europe and North America are realising Jamaat isn’t fringe—it’s a structured political force with grassroots reach.”
Crucially, Professor Amin argues that Western powers now view Islamic parties not as threats to democracy, but as potential stabilisers—provided they operate within constitutional frameworks. “They want partners committed to human rights, inclusion and good governance. And they’re testing whether Jamaat fits that mould.”
A new chapter or a tactical pivot?
While Jamaat celebrates its diplomatic rehabilitation, sceptics caution that global interest may be less about ideology and more about geopolitical hedging. With China deepening ties, Russia seeking influence, and the West wary of instability, engaging all major players—including once-marginalised ones—has become standard practice.
Yet for Jamaat, the message is clear: after a decade in the shadows, it is being treated as a legitimate actor on both the national and international stage.
As one senior leader put it: “The world is finally listening. And in 2026, they’ll be watching closely.”
Whether this diplomatic embrace translates into electoral success or lasting legitimacy remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Jamaat-e-Islami is no longer hiding. And the world knows it.