Kathmandu: Bangladesh’s largest Islamic party, Jamaat-e-Islami, has reached a seat-sharing agreement with the student-led National Citizens Party (NCP) ahead of the upcoming national elections, marking a significant development in the country’s evolving political landscape.

The alliance brings together student leaders and hardline Islamist forces that played a key role in the August 2024 movement that led to the fall of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s government. Observers view the collaboration as a notable shift in Bangladeshi politics ahead of the polls.

Coalition Expansion Announced
Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman announced that the NCP and the Liberal Democratic Party have joined the eight-party coalition led by Jamaat. The party, which faced bans and political repression during Hasina’s 15-year rule, has described the forthcoming election as a major opportunity to regain political influence.

Rift Within the NCP
The decision to align with Jamaat has, however, triggered serious internal dissent within the NCP. At least 30 party members have submitted a written protest to party president Nahid Islam, arguing that Jamaat’s ideology and democratic credentials are incompatible with the party’s values.

Amid the growing discontent, election aspirants Tasneem Zara and Tasnuwa Zabin have resigned from the party. Senior leader Samantha Sharmin has also cautioned that cooperation with Islamist forces could result in long-term political losses for the NCP.

Minority and Cultural Concerns
The increasing visibility of Islamist groups has heightened anxiety among minority communities, including Hindus and Sufi Muslims. In recent weeks, hardline groups have intensified campaigns calling for restrictions on women’s football, music festivals and other cultural activities, raising broader concerns about social freedoms.

Key Electoral Contest Ahead
With the election approaching, the main contest is expected to be between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tariq Rahman—who recently returned from 17 years of exile—and the newly formed Jamaat-led alliance. Political analysts say the outcome could significantly influence Bangladesh’s democratic and social trajectory.