[🇧🇩] BNP Jamaat On A Collision Course

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BNP alleges vote buying, Jamaat alleges attacks

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party on Wednesday alleged that the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami was attempting to influence the 13th Jatiya Sangsad elections, to be held today, through illegal financial transactions and acts of intimidation...

www.newagebd.net

BNP alleges vote buying, Jamaat alleges attacks
Staff Correspondent 12 February, 2026, 00:13

Representational image. | New Age file photo

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party on Wednesday alleged that the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami was attempting to influence the 13th Jatiya Sangsad elections, to be held today, through illegal financial transactions and acts of intimidation.

At the same time, the Jamaat submitted a complaint to the Election Commission over the deployment of an ‘unusual number’ of body-worn cameras in the constituencies where the party was likely to perform well and cited attacks on their party people.

The BNP chair’s adviser Mahdi Amin, also the party’s election steering committee spokesperson, said at a press briefing that the Jamaat was allegedly using money to influence voters in several areas.

He urged the Election Commission and law enforcement agencies to take immediate action against such activities.Bangladesh cultural tours

Citing media reports, Mahdi said that the police detained the Thakurgaon district Jamaat amir at Saidpur Airport after he arrived from Dhaka carrying more than Tk 50 lakh in cash.

‘At a time when banks, financial institutions, and business activities have been suspended to prevent illegal transactions during the election period, questions naturally arise about the source of such a large sum of money, its intended purpose, and its recipients,’ he said.

He added, ‘When business activities across the country have remained closed for four consecutive days, one does not need to be an expert to understand for what purpose such a huge amount could be used. This clearly violates the code of conduct and demonstrates the unethical influence attempts of a politically isolated party.’

He also questioned the Jamaat’s consistency with anti-corruption rhetoric, saying, ‘Those who claim to fight corruption must explain how consistent buying votes with money is with that narrative.’

The BNP said that the Saidpur incident should not be viewed in isolation, alleging similar cases of illegal financial transactions in Dhaka-15, Comilla, Noakhali, Khulna, and other areas.

The party further alleged that activists of the rival party were collecting voters’ mobile financial service numbers and voter ID details, though citizens largely rejected such attempts.

Describing the elections as a ‘significant chapter’ in safeguarding the country’s independence, sovereignty, and democracy, the BNP said supporters were returning to their constituencies by launches, buses, and trains to cast their votes, reflecting a festive election atmosphere.

Claiming an inevitable BNP victory, Mahdi Amin alleged that a rival party was attempting to create obstacles, including stockpiling bamboo sticks, pipes, and other materials, to intimidate voters in some districts.

BNP standing committee member Nazrul Islam Khan, also head of the party’s Election Management Committee, said that anyone attempting to disrupt the election will face resistance from the people without the party needing to act.

A BNP delegation led by Nazrul Islam on Wednesday met with the Chief Election Commissioner at the EC Secretariat in Agargaon, filing complaints and urging the EC to take action.

Nazrul cited several election-related incidents, including a video showing money distribution in Feni-1, and alleged arrests of Jamaat leaders in Mymensingh, Ramu, Bogura’s Kahalu, Lakshmipur, and Saidpur for various illegal activities.

‘Videos and news reports have been submitted to the EC, urging prompt action so that such acts are not repeated. Strong measures must be taken,’ he said.

He added, ‘BNP is not weak in this contest. Those opposing change or certain of defeat may attempt to disrupt the election, and the EC must act decisively.’

Meanwhile, Jamaat assistant secretary general Ehsanul Mahboob Zubair expressed concern over the ‘unusual number’ of body-worn cameras installed in constituencies where Jamaat is likely to perform well, while areas where BNP is stronger reportedly have fewer cameras.

He alleged that this discrepancy favoured a particular political party.

Leaders of the 11-party alliance led by Zubair met with the CEC at the EC headquarters.

After the meeting, Zubair told the media that Jamaat members had faced attacks adding that election booths had been vandalised in various parts of the country.

He added that while the EC said that decisions would be based on police reports, the Jamaat requested a cross-check to determine whether the camera installations were coincidental or intentional.

Zubair also criticised the arrest of a Jamaat leader in Saidpur, claiming he was harassed at the airport while carrying only lawful cash for business purposes, and that police allegedly orchestrated an incident involving journalists, leading to the leader being hospitalised.

Citing a threatening statement by a BNP candidate in Comilla-4, Zubair said that the EC had assured immediate action. He further stressed that Jamaat members had faced attacks in several parts of the country ahead of the election.

‘The Election Commission must take effective measures to ensure a free, fair, and safe election. Mere assurances are not enough,’ he said.​

 

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Rise of Jamaat due to Awami League repression: Mirza Fakhrul

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has remarked that the rise of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami occurred as a result of repression by the Bangladesh Awami League against opposition parties over the past 15 years. He made the comment while speaking with...

en.prothomalo.com

Rise of Jamaat due to Awami League repression: Mirza Fakhrul

Correspondent Thakurgaon
Published: 13 Feb 2026, 14: 47

Mirza Fakhrul File photo

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has remarked that the rise of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami occurred as a result of repression by the Bangladesh Awami League against opposition parties over the past 15 years.

He made the comment while speaking with journalists at his residence in the Kalibari area of Thakurgaon on Friday morning.

Responding to a question from reporters about Jamaat’s rise, the BNP secretary general said that it was the outcome of prolonged authoritarian rule.

“This is a science, a part of political science,” he said. “Whenever democracy is suppressed and people’s voices are silenced, extremist forces begin to emerge, and that is what has happened in this country. Whatever rise Jamaat has seen today is because of the Awami League. Their repressive governance, preventing opposition parties from carrying out activities and from participating in elections, led to this situation.”

He added that he was confident the people of Bangladesh had already rejected Jamaat.

“The BNP has secured an absolute majority. Through fair, honest, and people-oriented politics, the public will once again be able to resist such tendencies,” he said, describing the outcome as a “landslide victory” resulting from public acceptance of the party’s reform pledges and commitments.

We will prioritise the parts of the charter that we signed. Our 31-point agenda will be implemented step by step--------Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, BNP secretary general.

Speaking about the formation of a national government, Mirza Fakhrul said, “We always remain committed to our pledges. We had said that those who joined the simultaneous movement alongside the BNP against fascism and contested the election with us — we will, Insha’Allah, form the government together with them.”

Asked about implementing the July Charter, he said, “We will prioritise the parts of the charter that we signed. Our 31-point agenda will be implemented step by step.”

Speaking on Jamaat’s comparatively higher number of seats in the Rangpur division, he said there were multiple reasons behind it.

He noted that Jamaat had not won a single seat in the greater Dinajpur region, comprising three districts and 11 constituencies, all of which were won by the BNP.

“We are hopeful that if we engage with the people and work politically and organisationally, we will certainly be able to overcome this trend,” he said.

District BNP general secretary Paigam Ali, former vice-president Abu Taher, pourashava BNP president Shariful Islam, and leaders and activists from various levels were present at the time.​

 

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Jamaat Ameer calls meeting with Tarique an important moment'

Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has reiterated his party’s commitment to democratic governance and constitutional accountability following a meeting with BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman. In a Facebook post on Sunday night, Dr Rahman congratulated Tarique Rahman in advance as he set to assume the

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Jamaat Ameer calls meeting with Tarique an important moment'

UNB
Published :
Feb 15, 2026 23:23
Updated :
Feb 15, 2026 23:23

Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has reiterated his party’s commitment to democratic governance and constitutional accountability following a meeting with BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman.

In a Facebook post on Sunday night, Dr Rahman congratulated Tarique Rahman in advance as he set to assume the office of Prime Minister, describing his visit to the Jamaat Ameer’s residential office as “an important moment in our national political journey.”

“We welcome this engagement in a spirit of dialogue and responsibility, and we hope it signals a new chapter of institutional maturity and mutual respect. We envision building a Bangladesh that is free from fascism, sovereign in its decision-making and founded upon justice,” he wrote.

Dr Shafiqur Rahman said Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, along with the 11-party alliance, remains committed to establishing a prosperous, stable and modern state grounded in democratic values and constitutional governance.

He also welcomed the BNP Chairman’s assurance that steps are being taken to address incidents of post-election violence, including actions concerning harm against opposition supporters and minority communities.

“We reiterate that no citizen, regardless of political affiliation, should face intimidation or insecurity,” he said.

The Jamaat Ameer added that his party would cooperate fully on matters of national interest while fulfilling its constitutional responsibility as a firm and principled opposition.

“Where the government acts in the public interest, we will support. Where accountability is required, we will speak. Our objective is not confrontation but correction; not obstruction, but oversight,” he said, adding that the people deserve a parliament that safeguards justice, protects rights and advances the nation with stability and confidence.

Earlier, Tarique visited the Jamaat chief’s residential office in the Bashundhara Residential Area around 7:10 pm and held a nearly 45-minute meeting, which BNP leaders described as a positive political gesture following the election.

Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman received Tarique with a floral wreath.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan, Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer Abdullah Muhammad Taher, and its Assistant Secretary General as well as Central Publicity and Media Secretary Advocate Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair were present at the meeting.

The meetings came a day after Tarique called for cooperation from all political parties and forces to help build a ‘safe and humane Bangladesh’.

BNP is set to form the next government after securing a landslide victory with 209 seats in Thursday’s national election.​

 

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Election, rise of Jamaat-e-Islami, and challenges of BNP

The long-awaited and historic 13th national parliamentary election has been conducted relatively peacefully, overcoming numerous uncertainties and adversities. Voter turnout was reasonably good. However, due to past experiences, many harbour doubts about the real change or benefits that can be...

en.prothomalo.com

Election, rise of Jamaat-e-Islami, and challenges of BNP
Iftekharuzzaman
Published: 15 Feb 2026, 08: 28

Monoj Kumar Dey

The long-awaited and historic 13th national parliamentary election has been conducted relatively peacefully, overcoming numerous uncertainties and adversities. Voter turnout was reasonably good. However, due to past experiences, many harbour doubts about the real change or benefits that can be achieved despite voting. This lack of trust might be why voter turnout wasn't higher. Nonetheless, the election was generally participatory and inclusive.

Following the defeat of the authoritarian kleptocracy, the interim government banned the activities of the Awami League and its student wing, Chhatra League, resulting in the Awami League losing the opportunity to participate institutionally in the election. Consequently, many, domestic and international, may question how inclusive this election was.

However, it must be noted that the Awami League remained steadfast in its position of declaring the July mass uprising and the interim government as illegitimate and conspiratorial. They also declared the election illegal and vowed to resist it, actively engaging in this effort during the election period. Therefore, one cannot deny the Awami League’s negative and active role in the election and electoral environment.

However, despite the institutional stance of opposing the election, at the grassroots level, Awami League leaders, workers, and supporters participated in the election as voters. Even high-level leaders of the party, who were in prison, exercised their right to vote. A section of the party's supporters may have boycotted the vote, but this applies to ordinary voters as well.

There was competition among the participating parties to attract Awami League votes, especially between the BNP and Jamaat alliance, as well as among various parties and candidates, including the Jatiya Party. Awami League leaders and workers responded, with some directly joining participating parties and actively engaging in campaigns.

As a result, the Awami League played a negative role in the election officially as a party, but unofficially, its members exercised their political rights, including voting. Thus, it is difficult to find an acceptable argument for the position that the election was not inclusive.

In reality, not all voters were able to vote on an equal footing. The influence of wealth and muscle power played a significant role here. Additionally, there was fundamentalism, misinterpretation of religion, patriarchal attitudes, and pressure from the majority in the political and electoral environment. This created a confusing environment for ordinary people, especially women, minorities, people with disabilities, and marginalised voters. In some cases, it also became challenging or even intimidating.

Despite this, the election was conducted in a manner considered acceptable at both national and international levels, and a new parliament and government are set to be formed based on the people's verdict. The BNP alliance will have more than a two-thirds majority in parliament, which may pose risks. From past experiences, we know how significant the negative impact of such a majority can be—people and all current political parties have this experience.

With this lesson in mind, it is hoped that the new parliament and government will act responsibly and avoid an "it's our turn" mentality. This is the expectation of the country's ordinary people.

While there are risks associated with BNP’s major victory, this time the country's voters have been able to avert a situation that could have been even more dire. The significant aspect is that the aggressive expansion of any force based on religious bigotry or misinterpretation has been limited, at least temporarily, in the country's political environment.

One of the demands of Bangladesh’s Liberation War was to stop the political use of religion. In this context, it is disappointing that in this 13th national parliament, religious-based political parties have secured more than a quarter of the seats. But this is the reality. This should not be viewed solely as the result of the July movement. Since independence, political parties have engaged in a kind of unhealthy competition to increase religious influence in the politics of power, allowing such forces to build up.

In this continuity, since the 1990s, the two major political parties in the country have been competing with a "winner-takes-all" mentality, forming relationships with religious-based forces as part of this competition without limitation or regulation. Some incidents in this election also reflect this.

These forces were not only part of the anti-authoritarian mass movements but have also strengthened their positions in an extremely powerful state after the fall of authoritarianism. The Interim Government’s silent and submissive stance during this time of aggressive activities by religious extremist groups over the reports from the Women’s Commission or attacks on shrines and cultural activities empowered these forces further.

On the other hand, the growing negative perception of Islam in the Western world and the Islamophobic narratives of the neighbouring country’s extreme Hindutva government created a sense of threat. These events have further paved the way for the growth of religion-based politics in Bangladesh.

Moreover, Jamaat has increased its organiz\sational capacity as a strategically long-term political entity. Furthermore, they have strengthened their foundations in the political, social, economic, and institutional ecosystem, including education, health, social security, administration, civil-military bureaucracy, banks, and the financial sector. The mainstream politics of the country has consistently failed to meet public expectations, offering religion-based politics an opportunity to present itself as an ''alternative.''

Therefore, this electoral rise of Jamaat, grown on a sustainable foundation, is not a temporary matter. Simultaneously, their unprecedented achievement and how much it will develop subsequently will depend on how BNP, after coming to power with a big victory, will manage the country.

BNP has taken a position in favour of ''Yes'' votes for the ‘31 Points of State Structure Repair’ in this election manifesto and the July Charter. How they will perform duties after forming a new government, how successful they will be, and how the benefits will be provided to the people—when, to what extent, and how—are important. If the new government fails in these areas, it will provide Jamaat the opportunity to become even stronger.

Especially, the primary objective of state reform, achieved through bloodshed, is to ensure government accountability to the people. Although there are some significant proposals to fulfill this purpose, BNP has given a note of dissent, stating that ''the government should not be bound hand and foot.'' The party must reassess how reasonable these proposals are in the current situation and how they might actually become a catastrophe or boomerang.

In other words, BNP must consider how these might impact government activities and how they could influence the people or political process. Ultimately, there is no alternative but to adopt a path of self-purification, freeing from the long-standing custom of viewing political, representative, and governmental positions as licenses for power abuse.

It is essential to remember that the reasons preventing the people's verdict from allowing Jamaat to advance further this time should be identified, and BNP may soon go back to the ''drawing board'' to analyze how they can become more acceptable to the populace. They may focus on developing new plans or strategies for this analysis.

#Ifthekharuzzaman is the Executive Director of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB).​