Islamist alliance in turmoil over seat-sharing
Party leaders insist that disagreements are normal in political negotiations
Highlights:
- Alliance partners allege Jamaat pursues independent negotiations with NCP
- Alliance talks with Jamaat cause internal split within NCP, its alliance
- Jamaat alone wants to field candidate in over 220 constituencies
- Total constituency demands from all partners far exceed 300 seats available
- Other parties consider forming separate Islamist-only bloc
Tensions are mounting within the Islamist political alliance as serious disagreements emerge over seat-sharing arrangements and the potential inclusion of the National Citizen Party (NCP).
The friction has raised fresh doubts about the bloc's cohesion ahead of the upcoming national election in February 2026.
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Alliance partners allege that Jamaat-e-Islami has pursued independent negotiations with the NCP without consulting other member parties, disrupting a fragile understanding over electoral coordination.
According to party sources, the collective demands of the alliance partners far exceed the available 300 constituencies.
Islami Andolon Bangladesh is expecting 100-125 seats, while Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis is demanding 30 and Khelafat Majlis is claiming 30. Other partners have also placed claims: the Bangladesh Development Party (8 seats), Jatiyo Ganatantrik Party (5), Nizam-e-Islam Party (5), and Khelafat Andolon (5).
Meanwhile, media reports suggest the NCP is eyeing 50 seats from the alliance. If these demands were met, the total allocation to partners would reach a staggering 258 seats, leaving only a handful of constituencies available for Jamaat itself.
Leaders of smaller Islamist parties expressed frustration, noting that Jamaat reportedly intends to contest more than 220 constituencies on its own, leaving only 70 to 80 seats for all other partners combined.
This marks a significant departure from an earlier informal understanding where Jamaat was expected to contest roughly 170 to 175 seats, said a Khelafat Majlis leader.
The "big brother" approach adopted by Jamaat has become a major flashpoint, said smaller Islamist party leaders.
Several allies have raised objections to what they describe as a dominant posture, citing Jamaat's unilateral control over meeting venues, the tone of discussions, and the framing of decisions. They argue such behaviour undermines the spirit of an equal partnership.
In a significant signal of discontent, five Islamist parties – excluding Jamaat – held a separate meeting on Thursday (25 December) at Islami Andolon's office in Dhaka. This was the first such gathering since the alliance expanded to eight parties.
Participants of the meeting told The Business Standard (TBS) they are not ruling out the possibility of contesting the election independently or forming a separate Islamist-only bloc if negotiations with Jamaat fail.
A leader of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, speaking on condition of anonymity, hinted at a potential "Hefazat-oriented" political alignment if the current coalition collapses.
Despite the strain, some leaders are attempting to downplay the crisis.
Islami Andolon spokesperson Sheikh Fazlul Karim Maruf acknowledged a "degree of discomfort" due to the NCP factor but insisted it is a normal part of political negotiations. He noted that a liaison committee meeting is scheduled for tomorrow to bridge the gaps.
Similarly, Mohammad Abdul Jalil, joint secretary of Khelafat Majlis, described the gridlock as a standard negotiation dynamic rather than a total breakdown of trust.
Meanwhile, Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair told TBS, "Talks are ongoing with several parties, including the NCP. Our senior leadership will sit for a meeting, and a final declaration is likely on 29 December."
NCP leaders split on Jamaat coalition
A faction within the NCP is not interested in allying with Jamaat. This disagreement recently led to the resignation of central leader Mir Arshadul Haque. Meanwhile, NCP's student wing leaders are actively campaigning to prevent the party from joining a coalition with Jamaat.
Admitting ongoing seat-sharing discussions, NCP Joint Convener Mahbub Alam said, "These are still at the discussion stage. When anything concrete happens, we will announce it through a press conference."
He claimed that there is no internal conflict within the party.
"The NCP is preparing its roadmap for upcoming politics and elections, keeping the country's and the party's interests in mind. The party considers resignations or internal disagreements as normal differences of opinion," Mahbub said.
Crisis in Ganatantrik Sanskar Jote
The ripple effects of Jamaat's negotiations have also triggered a crisis in the Ganatantrik Sanskar Jote – an alliance formed just this month between the NCP, AB Party, and Rastro Sanskar Andolon.
Hasnat Quaiyum, president of Rastro Sanskar Andolon, expressed strong disapproval on Friday over reports that alliance partners like the NCP were negotiating behind the scenes with Jamaat.
"Regrettably, without informing us, some partners appear to be attempting seat-sharing arrangements elsewhere. If these reports are proven true, our newly formed alliance will lose its relevance," Quaiyum said.
He warned that while they are currently maintaining decorum, a formal end to the alliance would be announced if the breach of trust is confirmed.
