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Bangladesh's Jamaat-e Islami Gains Momentum

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, February 18th 2026 at 18:40 GMT by The Hans India
      Locales: BANGLADESH, INDIA

Dhaka, Bangladesh - February 18th, 2026 - Bangladesh's Jamaat-e Islami is undergoing a significant transformation, evolving from a historically marginalized political entity into a burgeoning opposition force. What was once a gradual repositioning has now solidified into a deliberate strategy, positioning the party to potentially challenge the ruling Awami League (AL) and exert substantial influence over the nation's political future.

For decades, Jamaat-e Islami operated on the periphery of Bangladeshi politics, hampered by controversies surrounding its role during the 1971 Liberation War and often overshadowed by larger, secular political parties. However, a confluence of factors - notably growing public dissatisfaction with the AL government's handling of economic and social issues - has created a fertile ground for the party's resurgence.

Recent years have seen a marked increase in economic hardship for many Bangladeshis. Rising inflation, particularly concerning food and fuel prices, coupled with concerns over unemployment and stagnant wages, have fueled widespread discontent. Simultaneously, accusations of corruption and a perceived lack of accountability within the AL administration have eroded public trust. Jamaat-e Islami has been adept at capitalizing on this sentiment, presenting itself as an alternative that prioritizes good governance and economic justice.

"The AL has become complacent after years in power," explains Dr. Aminul Islam, a political science professor at Dhaka University. "They've failed to address the concerns of a significant portion of the population, leaving a vacuum that Jamaat is skillfully filling. It's not necessarily that people agree with everything Jamaat stands for, but they are increasingly open to considering alternatives."

The party's strategic shift isn't limited to exploiting public grievances. Jamaat has actively pursued a policy of coalition-building, forging alliances with other opposition groups, including factions within the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). These alliances serve to amplify their collective voice, broadening their reach beyond their traditional support base. This unified front presents a more substantial challenge to the AL than Jamaat could achieve alone.

Analysts also point to the enduring strength of religious sentiment in Bangladesh as a key factor in Jamaat's revival. Despite the nation's constitutional commitment to secularism, religion continues to play a vital role in the lives of many Bangladeshis. Jamaat, with its long-standing emphasis on Islamic values, appeals to a significant segment of the population who feel their beliefs are underrepresented in mainstream political discourse. However, this focus also draws criticism from secular groups, who accuse the party of promoting a conservative and potentially divisive agenda.

The shadow of the 1971 Liberation War continues to loom large over Jamaat-e Islami. Accusations of collaboration with the Pakistani army during the war remain a potent source of controversy and a constant obstacle to gaining broader acceptance. While the party maintains its innocence and claims to have been unjustly targeted by post-war retribution, the historical baggage continues to haunt its image. Recent attempts at reconciliation have been largely unsuccessful, with many victims of the war and their families refusing to accept apologies or offers of compensation.

"Jamaat is acutely aware of the historical sensitivities," says political commentator, Nadia Rahman. "They've adopted a strategy of downplaying the past and focusing on present-day issues. They are attempting to rebrand themselves as a pragmatic political force, rather than dwelling on the controversies of 1971."

The upcoming national elections, scheduled for late 2027, are widely seen as a crucial test for Jamaat. The party is investing heavily in grassroots organizing, candidate recruitment, and campaign messaging. They are hoping to secure a significant number of seats in parliament, which would allow them to effectively challenge the AL's policies and shape the national agenda. Preliminary polling data suggests that Jamaat's support base is growing, although it remains unclear whether they can achieve the electoral breakthrough necessary to become a truly dominant force.

The resurgence of Jamaat-e Islami presents a complex challenge for Bangladesh. While their rise could potentially invigorate the political landscape and provide a more robust check on the ruling party, it also raises concerns about the future of secularism and the potential for increased social polarization. As the country heads towards elections, all eyes will be on Jamaat-e Islami to see if their long game pays off and if they can indeed transform from a peripheral actor into a significant influencer in Bangladeshi politics. The party's success, or failure, will undoubtedly shape the political trajectory of Bangladesh for years to come.