[🇧🇩] BNP Jamaat On A Collision Course

[Saif]

Date of Event: Feb 15, 2025 Source : https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/politics/news/abbas-calls-out-jamaats-polls-delaying-tactics-3824451

Abbas calls out Jamaat's polls delaying tactics

File photo of Mirza Abbas

BNP senior leader Mirza Abbas today alleged that a certain political party is trying to confuse the government through various contradictory statements only to delay the national election.

"They talk about the election... sometimes they say they won't participate, sometimes they say they will... sometimes they say they will join if certain conditions are met, sometimes they say they will if other conditions are met," he said referring to Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami.

The BNP leader made the remarks while inaugurating the membership renewal programme for the party's Dhaka South City unit at the party's Nayapaltan central office.

Mirza Abbas said due to this party's wrong decisions in 2008, BNP and its alliance partners participated in the election.

"As a result, many prominent and well-known people in Bangladesh had to give up their lives at the gallows," he said referring to BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami leaders who were executed for crimes committed in 1971 at the International Crimes Tribunal.

Abbas, a BNP Standing Committee member, urged Jamaat not to repeat the same mistakes.

"A single wrong decision can cost the lives of lakhs of people... So, do not prolong the election issue... Various political parties are making contradictory statements about the election, confusing the government and placing it in an unstable position," he observed.

Abbas called upon the interim government to hold the national election by December this year, as per its previous announcement. "We are always ready for the elections, Insh'Allah."

He said those trying to disrupt the election process are, in effect, attempting to undermine the country's independence and sovereignty, depriving the people of their rights to free speech and vote. "Please, refrain from engaging in such activities."

Mirza Abbas also criticised the authorities for not arresting those involved in the Nabil Group's corruption, which resulted in the embezzlement of Tk 12,000 crore.

He pointed out that those associated with the Nabil Group seem untouchable due to their strong political connections with a particular political party.

The BNP leader alleged that a section of people are unfairly blaming BNP for various wrongdoings, while overlooking the party's efforts to maintain peace and tolerance.

He accused some political parties and politicians of supporting certain business groups that played a role in inciting violence during the July-August mass uprising, with promises to remain loyal to Sheikh Hasina until their deaths. "Despite their playing such role, they still did not face any consequences due to their political backing."

Abbas claimed that a political party, which is now quick to criticise BNP, had allied with these business groups.

"From now on, our task will be to expose such hypocritical political parties, which try to falsely blame others, and to reveal their true nature to the public," he stated.

Abbas cautioned BNP leaders and workers that those involved in anti-organisational activities or damaging the party's reputation should not be granted membership.

He also warned against opportunists, particularly from the Awami League, who might attempt to join BNP, asserting that such individuals would harm the party.

Abbas stressed the importance of quality over quantity, stating that the party values loyal and solid members over large numbers.

He voiced concern about rising commodity prices, noting that business syndicates are becoming more active as Ramadan approaches amid the government's inaction.​

 

[Saif]

BNP, Jamaat on collision course

The BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami now seem to be poles apart over when the local and parliamentary elections should be held and the proportional representation system in the House.

www.thedailystar.net

BNP, Jamaat on collision course
Polls timing, proportional representation divide the longtime allies

The BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami now seem to be poles apart over when the local and parliamentary elections should be held and the proportional representation system in the House.

The fact that their relationship is strained became clear as day last week when the parties took opposing stances on the timing of the polls and on proportional representation.

Yesterday, both parties made statements that hint at new political dynamics ahead of the 13th national polls.

File photo

"We are against proportional representation. We will not support proportional representation in any way because people of the country are not accustomed to it."— BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.

After a Jamaat delegation called on Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin at the Nirbachon Bhaban yesterday morning, its Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar told reporters that the party demanded that the national election be held after completing reforms to the state institutions relevant to the electoral process.

He claimed the people want local government polls before the national election and that his party is with the people. He said they also demanded proportional representation in the House.

An hour later, asked about the Jamaat's stance, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said, "We are against proportional representation. We will not support proportional representation in any way because people are not accustomed to it."

Proportional representation is an electoral system in which the distribution of seats corresponds with the proportion of the total votes cast for each party. For example, if a party gets 40 percent of the total votes, the system will allow it to get 40 percent of the seats in parliament.

In Bangladesh, the first-past-the-post (FPTP) system is practised, in which the candidate receiving the highest number of votes in a constituency wins a seat in parliament.

The Electoral Reform Commission has proposed having an upper and a lower house. It recommended a proportional representation system for the upper house.

It also cited a strong disagreement among political parties regarding the proportional representation system.

Fakhrul yesterday said that holding local polls before the national election would push the country further into instability.

"The sooner the [national] election is held, the easier politics will become. The people will return to a stable situation," he said at a press briefing at the BNP chairperson's Gulshan office.

He said the election is crucial for two reasons. "Firstly, for restoring stability, and secondly, for improving governance in the country, which is currently facing significant challenges."

Fakhrul also expressed concerns over the state of education at universities and colleges, saying, "It is very difficult to address these issues without an elected government."

Yesterday, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, now in Dubai, said the national election could be held in December this year.

Late last year, he had hinted the polls could be in late 2025 or mid 2026, after which the crack in BNP-Jamaat relationship started becoming more visible.

The BNP and its allies had been saying they want the national election with minimal reforms done so that the elected government can carry out all other reforms. They have also been pushing for the polls to be held in the middle of this year.

The Jamaat has been demanding polls after necessary reforms and without any hurry.

When Yunus on January 8 said they were simultaneously preparing for national and local body elections, it pushed the parties even further apart.

After a BNP delegation met Yunus on Monday, Fakhrul told the press that the government assured the party of working to hold the national election by December this year. "We're making it clear, as we did in the past, there will be no election before the national polls."

Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman at a rally in Sylhet that day said, "Fundamental reforms are necessary before the election. Without implementing some basic reforms, a fair election will not be possible. If an election is held under the current circumstances, it will be an election genocide. We do not want that. We want elections to be held only after a conducive environment is established."

Yesterday, the Jamaat delegation met the EC even though it is no longer a registered political party. Not being registered with the EC renders the Jamaat unable to run in elections.

Parwar said their appeal to get their registration restored was pending with a court. He hoped they would get justice.

The four-party alliance, including the BNP and Jamaat, was formed in 1999 to strengthen the movement against the then Awami League-led government.

In the 2001 election, the BNP-led alliance won a landslide, and two top Jamaat leaders were made cabinet members.

But the alliance fared poorly in the 2008 election.

In 2012, it became a 20-party combine as several other parties joined in.

The next year, the HC declared Jamaat's registration with the EC illegal on grounds that some provisions of the Jamaat charter went against the country's constitution and election laws.

In the face of widespread criticism for its ties with the Jamaat, which opposed the Liberation War and had sided with Pakistan, the BNP had been keeping a distance from the Islamist party for the past few years.

The 20-party alliance dissolved in December 2022 after the BNP asked its allies not to use the name of the alliance.​

 

[Saif]

BNP, Jamaat court Islamic parties

Two major political parties – the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami – have stepped up their efforts to forge separate strategic alliances by courting smaller religion-based parties to expand their support base and...

www.newagebd.net

BNP, Jamaat court Islamic parties
Moinul Haque 18 February, 2025, 23:45

Two major political parties – the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami – have stepped up their efforts to forge separate strategic alliances by courting smaller religion-based parties to expand their support base and enhance electoral prospects as the interim government is preparing for the next general election in December.

The BNP and Jamaat separately held several meetings with Islamic parties but a concrete framework for an election-centric alliance is yet to be finalised.

Leaders of the BNP and Jamaat said that discussions on political unity with different political parties were going on and will continue but finalising the structure for electoral unity and determining alliances would take time.

The discussion on the unity of Islamic parties gained prominence after the January 21 meeting between Jamaat ameer Shafiqur Rahman and Islami Andolan Bangladesh chief Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim in Barisal.

Following the meeting, Shafiqur had told reporters that their primary goal was to foster unity among Islamic parties.

Rezaul had said that they were trying to give a single box in favor of Islamic parties in the upcoming national election.

‘We maintain political relations with everyone and stay in touch with each other. As part of this, we exchange views with other Islamic parties, including the Islami Andolan Bangladesh. However, no election-centric alliance has been finalised yet,’ Jamaat assistant secretary general Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair told New Age on Monday.

‘It will take time…much will depend on when and how the elections will be held,’ he said.

Zubair mentioned that their communications with other parties were going on but there was no significant progress at this moment.

Six days after the meeting between Shafiqur and Rezaul, BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir held a meeting with Rezaul on January 27 at the central office of the Islami Andolan Bangladesh in Dhaka.

At the meeting, the BNP and the IAB reached a consensus on a 10-point decision including the national election in the shortest possible time after completing necessary minimum reforms, working together to rebuild the country, and unite all forces against fascism.

They also agreed on taking no actions that go against Islamic Shariah and refraining from making any statements against Islam.

Talking to reporters after the meeting, Rezaul Karim said, ‘Regarding election timeframe, we have used the word ‘quick time’, and we have said that the reasonable timeframe for the elections is between one and one and a half years, not too much time. Already six months of the government has passed.’

About the unity efforts with the Islamic party, BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Monday told New Age that discussions on political unity should continue, and the BNP was engaging in talks with various parties, not just the Islamic ones, with that goal in mind.

‘I think this discussion is nothing new. We have been in alliance with many Islamic parties for a long time. There may be initiatives for consensus on various issues, including the upcoming elections,’ he said.

BNP held another meeting with the Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis on January 22 and agreed on seven issues, including holding the national election within 2025 and strengthening national unity to prevent the reemergence of the fallen fascists.

The nine-member delegation, led by Khelafat Majlis ameer Maulana Abdul Basit Azad, held the meeting with BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and standing committee member Nazrul Islam Khan at the BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office.

Khelafat Majlis, a religion-based political party, was a part of the BNP-led alliance but left the coalition on October 1, 2021.

Party leaders said that they saw no reason to remain in the alliance, as it became inactive following the formation of Jatiya Oikya Front just before the December 30, 2018 general election.

BNP on January 31 held a meeting with the Jamiat Ulama-e-Islam Bangladesh and reached a consensus calling for national elections to be held by 2025 after completing minimum necessary reforms.

Senior BNP leaders Mirza Fakhrul and Nazrul Islam attended the meetings.

Following the January 31 meeting, Jamiat Ulama-e-Islam secretary general Monjurul Islam Afendi said that they agreed with the BNP on holding the national election by 2025 after completing the necessary reforms within a logical time.

Regarding the election-centric alliance of religion-based political parties, IAB senior joint secretary general Gazi Ataur Rahman said that Islamic parties aimed to participate in the upcoming elections unitedly. He said that they were in discussions with all the Islamic parties involved in the July uprising and that efforts were being made to bridge the gap between them.

Ataur said that the parties had agreed that there would be a single candidate from the Islamic parties for each constituency in the upcoming elections, and Jamaat also agreed on this matter.​

 

[Saif]

No BNP-Jamaat electoral alliance this time: Gayeshwar

BNP will not form an electoral alliance with Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, even if the Awami League participates in the polls, said Standing Committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy

www.thedailystar.net

No BNP-Jamaat electoral alliance this time: Gayeshwar

BNP senior leader Gayeshwar Chandra Roy. Photo: UNB/File

BNP will not form an electoral alliance with Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, even if the Awami League participates in the polls, said Standing Committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy.

In an interview with UNB, he also suspected that Jamaat might try to form an indirect alliance with the Awami League, possibly facilitated by India, as the Islamist party appears desperate for power.

He urged India, as Bangladesh's close neighbour, to improve ties with BNP and the people, stating that India's favoritism towards a single party has harmed bilateral relations.

Discussing politics, governance, and upcoming elections, Gayeshwar said that Jamaat might try to align with the Awami League, as they did in 1986 and 1996.

Accusing Jamaat of betraying national interests repeatedly, the BNP leader said its alliance with the Awami League in 1986 prolonged Ershad's rule. However, he believes Awami League voters would not support Jamaat even if an alliance is formed.

BNP and Jamaat, political allies since 1991, formally united in 1999, expanding their coalition until BNP dissolved the 20-party alliance before the 12th national elections. With the Awami League absent from the political stage after the August 5 changeover last year, BNP and Jamaat seem to be drifting apart.

On India, Gayeshwar emphasised BNP's foreign policy of fostering friendships, not submission. He urged India to engage diplomatically with any Bangladeshi government, warning that India's past alignment with the Awami League alienated its ties with the Bangladeshi public. He called for a shift in India's approach, respecting Bangladesh's people and their aspirations.

Regarding BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman's return, Gayeshwar said it would happen at the right time.

"Tarique Rahman will return to the country after considering everything, including his security issue."

He said BNP has been pushing for the restoration of democracy through a credible election for the last 17 years. "We've been patient, trusting the interim government, but we won't stay idle for long. Even if we don't want to, we may have to take to the streets to ensure the election."

The BNP leader said there is no need to buy more time for the election in the name of reforms.

"Reform is an ongoing process. We want reforms, but elections cannot be delayed for them. Elections must be held as soon as possible. Necessary reforms should be done to organise a free, fair, and acceptable election and the remaining reforms can be carried out by the elected government."

Gayeshwar said the interim government should not treat BNP as an opposition party, pushing it to take to the streets.

He said BNP's main demand over the past 17 years has been a fair election. "There is no reason to deviate from this demand."

On the National Citizen Party (NCP), Gayeshwar claimed the government was backing it, compromising its neutrality, similar to failed political experiments by the Fakhruddin-Moyeenuddin government.

When asked about the future of the Awami League, Gayeshwar said he does not support banning any political party.

He observed that many once-prominent parties, such as the Muslim League and National Awami Party, have faded into obscurity.

"This means many political parties in Bangladesh have been rejected by the people and disappeared. Can the Bangladesh Muslim League be found now anywhere? Has the National Awami Party been banned? But where are they now?" he asked.

The BNP leader said if the people continue to reject the Awami League in future elections, it may face the same fate as the Muslim League.​

 

[Saif]

Does the BNP-Jamaat meeting signal the beginning of a long dialogue process?

In the current political landscape of Bangladesh, the recent meeting between top leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami and BNP in London is undoubtedly significant. However, it has received surprisingly little attention online and in mainstream media. Even the Jamaat-aligned daily Naya Diganta published...

en.prothomalo.com

Does the BNP-Jamaat meeting signal the beginning of a long dialogue process?

Altaf Parvez
Researcher on South-East Asian History
Updated: 17 Apr 2025, 19: 03

Former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman Photo: Collected.

In the current political landscape of Bangladesh, the recent meeting between top leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami and BNP in London is undoubtedly significant. However, it has received surprisingly little attention online and in mainstream media. Even the Jamaat-aligned daily Naya Diganta published the news as a small, single-column report on the second page.

This meeting took place amidst ongoing tensions and hostile rhetoric between grassroots and online supporters of both parties. No official statement or briefing followed the meeting, though many had anticipated one, especially considering the public curiosity surrounding the subjects discussed.

While it may have been just a courtesy meeting, it would be unrealistic to rule out political discussions between four top leaders of two major parties. Given the current state of the country, political topics were likely touched upon. This raises key questions: who initiated the meeting, and who stands to benefit from it?

Since the formation of the interim government, BNP and Jamaat—the two main opposition forces—have had significant disagreements over election timing and other policy issues. These disagreements have contributed to uncertainty about the upcoming elections and have intensified social polarisation.

Uncertainty over elections often directly leads to uncertainty in investment. This time, two additional negative consequences are visible: administrative inertia and a development vacuum in rural areas lacking local government representation. Meanwhile, market syndicates from previous regimes are reactivating and extending influence—both in political circles and the media.

For these reasons, whether BNP and Jamaat could align on an election date during the London meeting has become a matter of national interest. If they agree to bring the election date forward, the interim government may have to step down sooner than expected. This could spell bad news for newly-formed political parties.

Just yesterday, the BNP expressed dissatisfaction after meeting the chief adviser, citing the lack of a specific election date. After the meeting, Mirza Fakhrul told reporters that the chief adviser did not provide a firm deadline, only suggesting a window between December and June. “We are not satisfied at all,” Fakhrul said. “We clearly stated that if the elections aren’t held by December, the political, economic, and social situation will deteriorate.”

In light of the current trust deficit between BNP and Jamaat, the London meeting has triggered speculation about whether these old allies might re-establish ties. This could become a point of concern for BNP’s centrist allies. It might also impact the internal dynamics of BNP leadership.

In light of the current trust deficit between BNP and Jamaat, the London meeting has triggered speculation about whether these old allies might re-establish ties. This could become a point of concern for BNP’s centrist allies. It might also impact the internal dynamics of BNP leadership.

Tarique Rahman, in the past 7–8 months, has signaled a shift toward more liberal political positions. If BNP were to resume its old-style alliance with Jamaat, this would certainly alter the political equation. Questions are now arising: Is such a development imminent? Has Jamaat proposed a seat-sharing agreement? Regional powers are also curious. Meanwhile, influential figures from the US are arriving in Bangladesh, and EU ambassadors have recently met with the National Citizen Party.

The clear interest of foreign actors in Bangladeshi politics is partly due to the inability of local political leaders to unite and provide direction—as they did in July. It also reflects a perceived decline in the moral authority of the current government.

As debates around reform unfold—marked by a mix of hope and frustration—supporters of the ruling Awami League are finding space to become active. Whether BNP and Jamaat grow closer or stay apart, either scenario could expand that space.

This space has emerged largely from the post-uprising failures of alternative political forces. If BNP and Jamaat had reached an understanding earlier—especially involving students and youth activists—this opening could have been delayed. Now, will the London meeting inspire any momentum? Even if it was merely “courtesy,” political meetings always leave an impression.

Could similar meetings in London also happen with student, youth, or labour organisers from the mass uprising? Only time will tell. This is the start of a new chapter in politics. Rumours suggest that even a high-level government figure may be willing to meet BNP leadership in London.

That said, we must remember that Bangladeshi politicians have historically failed to reduce differences through dialogue. We’ve seen numerous rounds of failed talks between BNP and Awami League—between Mannan Bhuiyan and Abdul Jalil, between Syed Ashraful Islam and Mirza Fakhrul.

These dialogues not only failed but sometimes led to violent consequences. Both parties suffered—some immediately, some years later. These failures show the limits of our politicians in rising to statesmanship.

The success of dialogue depends on a willingness to compromise. Due to the lack of democratic culture within political parties, there's often little sincerity in making concessions during talks.

Many times, dialogue here becomes just a tactic to buy time. Sometimes, it’s a cover for preparing to impose control. Without a genuine “win-win” attitude, the current dialogue process in Bangladesh won’t produce anything positive. In such a scenario, foreign interference may increase. In the past, media hype around dialogues has also complicated matters, even contributing to their failure.

But Bangladesh no longer wants to return to those days. Already, once dialogue and negotiations begin, the focus shifts away from people’s movements and grassroots leadership. In July, students, workers, and the general public clearly voiced their aspirations. In the eight months since, neither the administration nor political parties have been able to give those hopes a concrete form.

Now, with all the excitement around dialogue and meetings, a space is emerging for the public to become a third force. Past experiences with this kind of space were not pleasant. That’s why, before stepping into the uncertain tunnel of “dialogue,” a clear timeline for elections and reform should be declared. All parties should reach a consensus on how the next election will be held. Bangladesh does not want to witness another violent electoral conflict.

*Altaf Parvez is a researcher and writer​

 

[Saif]

BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami workers clash in Faridpur over sharing of Balumahal lease money

BNP, Jamaat workers clash over sharing of Balumahal lease money Workers of BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami have clashed over the sharing of money from the Balumahal, designated sand quarry which is locally known as NICO, lease tender in Faridpur’s Boalmari, leaving two people injured. A BNP leader

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami workers clash in Faridpur over sharing of Balumahal lease money
bdnews24.com
Published :
Apr 18, 2025 21:57
Updated :
Apr 18, 2025 21:57

BNP, Jamaat workers clash over sharing of Balumahal lease money

Workers of BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami have clashed over the sharing of money from the Balumahal, designated sand quarry which is locally known as NICO, lease tender in Faridpur’s Boalmari, leaving two people injured.

A BNP leader has filed a written complaint against Jamaat workers at the police station in this incident, said Boalmari Police Station chief Mahmudul Hasan.

Mahmudul said on Friday the former organising secretary of municipal BNP Russell Ahmed submitted the complaint a day earlier.

The clash took place outside the Boalmari Upazila Parishad around 10:15pm on Apr 16.

Those injured in the clash are Russell’s younger brother and former president of Boalmari Government College Chhatra Dal, Robin Molla, 32, and Riaz Mridha, 47, owner of a store in the municipal market.

Riaz is the elder brother of the former organising secretary of Boalmari Municipal Chhatra Dal, Miraj Mridha.

Meanwhile, some CCTV footage of the clash went viral on social media on Thursday.

In the footage, a group of youths attacked a meeting held at Riaz's store on Apr 16 with wooden batons and local weapons.

Robin, who had taken refuge at the store, suffered a head injury and Riaz was injured while trying to fend off the attackers.

Later, locals rescued them and took them to the emergency department of the Boalmari Upazila Health Complex.

Riaz was released after giving first aid, while Robin is still undergoing treatment.

According to locals, at the beginning of every year, the district administration invites tenders for a one-year lease of Lankachar Balumahal on the Madhumoti River in Boalmari. A total of 15 tenders were sold for this lease this year.

However, the sale and purchase were completed through a secret auction based on the agreement of the bidders.

Although they had agreed to share the money, one bidder, Jewel Biswas, complained that time was wasted without paying his due.

Boalmari Municipality Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Maulana Niyamul Hasan has confirmed Jewel is a Jamaat worker.

On Wednesday, a mediation meeting was held at the Riaz’s store to resolve the dispute over money sharing.

Attendees included former municipal Russell, municipal Jubo Dal joint convenor Mohsin Alam Chan, Miraj, and local residents.

Jamaat activist Jewel arrived at the meeting carrying a local weapon, which was spotted tucked into his waist.

When attempts were made to take it from him, a scuffle broke out between him and the BNP members present.

Soon after, 25-30 people led by Jewel launched an attack on the meeting, armed with sticks and local weapons.

Jewel said, “Balumahal had a deposit of Tk 45,000 with Russell and Miraj. When he demanded money, Russell called me to Riaz’s store.

“But when I went there, they attacked me using the excuse of not giving me the money. After hearing what happened, my brothers from the village came to help.

“There, they found Russell’s brother Robin and beat him up.”

Russell said, “Jamaat-e-Islami cadre Jewel demanded extortion from me. When Mohsin wanted to know about this and Miraj called him, he planned to kill me by carrying weapons.

“However, when people saw it and took it away, his terrorist group, who had already been on the run, attacked us.

“Although I managed to escape, they severely beat and injured my younger brother.”

OC Mahmudul said, “On the day of the incident, police went to the spot and brought the situation under control after receiving information.

“Those injured in the attack have filed a written complaint with the police station. Legal action is under process, subject to investigation.”​