Islami Andolan to back 'anti-fascist' candidates in seats without 'hand fan' aspirants

Islami Andolan Bangladesh has said it will support "honest and competent" candidates from anti-fascist political forces in constituencies where there is no candidate with its own "hand fan" symbol.

In a statement issued today (18 January), the party's Joint Secretary General and spokesperson, Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman, said Islami Andolan will contest the upcoming parliamentary election independently in 268 constituencies – a decision it has already made public through a press briefing.

He said the party has not nominated candidates in the remaining 32 constituencies and will instead extend support to suitable anti-fascist candidates in those seats through dialogue and consensus.

"After the formal campaign begins on 20 January, we will announce the candidates we will support in the 32 constituencies where the 'hand fan' symbol will not be present," Ataur Rahman said.

Responding to questions on seat-sharing, he said the party has not taken any immediate decision on the issue and will announce its stance at an appropriate time.

The statement was issued by Sheikh Fazlul Karim Maruf, central publicity and dawah secretary of Islami Andolan Bangladesh.