Jamaat nears seat-sharing deals with 9 parties, talks with Islami Andolan, Khelafat Majlis continue

The Jamaat-e-Islami has nearly finalised a seat-sharing agreement with nine parties in its 11-party alliance, while negotiations continue with Islami Andolan Bangladesh and Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, led by Mamunul Haque.

Jamaat is reportedly offering 35-40 seats to Islami Andolan, and 14 to Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis. However, Islami Andolan insists on at least 50 seats, while Mamunul's party will not accept fewer than 20.

Several senior leaders said the alliance is also divided on whether to keep some seats open for all parties.

They said Jamaat plans 27-29 seats for NCP, five to Khelafat Majlis (Azad), four to Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), three to Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party, two each to Khilafat Andolan and Nizam-e-Islam, and one each to Bangladesh Development Party (BDP) and Jatiya Ganatantrik Party (JAGPA). 

Sources added that Jamaat intends to retain 195 seats for itself while negotiating with partners. 

Within the alliance, Jamaat has submitted candidates for 276 seats, Islami Andolan 268, NCP 47, AB Party 53, Bangladesh Khilafat Majlish 94, Khilafat Majlish 68, LDP 24, Khilafat Andolan 11, Nezam-e-Islam six, JAGPA three, and BDP two. Some nominations have been cancelled, complicating negotiations. Around 30 seats may be left open.

Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad told The Business Standard a final announcement could come within two days. 

"Discussions were proceeding smoothly, with differing opinions on open seats," he said. "Jamaat would ensure its candidates withdraw where necessary and expected no major issues from other parties."

What alliance leaders say

Several leaders of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis said initial talks had agreed on 13 seats, later revised to 14. They stressed they would not accept fewer than 20 and were ready to contest up to 33 seats on their own if necessary, with some seats potentially left open.

Leaders from both factions of Khelafat Majlis said they were willing to compromise, but some nominees refused to step aside. Mamunul's faction has submitted nominations in 94 and 68 constituencies respectively, making withdrawal negotiations difficult.

Central leaders of Islami Andolan said they are facing significant pressure from grassroots candidates, having submitted 268 nominations. The party hopes to contest at least 50 seats.

LDP leader Colonel Oli Ahmad told The Business Standard that the agreement with his party was finalised, but the exact number of seats cannot yet be disclosed. 

"Pending appeals at the Election Commission must be resolved before a final announcement," he said.

NCP leaders said they may not receive 30 seats, but the number will not fall below 26 and could reach 29. The agreement with Jamaat is almost final, but all partners will be consulted and pending appeals settled before the final declaration.

A senior leader of AB Party said Jamaat offered three seats, but discussions continue over a "respectable" allocation and reform conditions. 

JAGPA spokesman Rashed Pradhan said the seat-sharing deal is largely final and will be announced with all partners once Election Commission appeals are resolved.