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Bangladesh Islamist Alliance Splinters Over Seat-Sharing Ahead of February Polls

A significant rift has developed within the Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance in Bangladesh over seat-sharing agreements for the upcoming February 12 general elections. While eight of eleven partners have agreed, two major Islamist parties—Islami Andolan Bangladesh and Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis—remain locked in disputes over the number of constituencies they will contest. Islami Andolan, having reduced its demand from over a hundred to more than 50 seats, is dissatisfied with Jamaat's offer of 40, and Khelafat Majlis is unhappy with an offer of 20 seats against its demand for 25-30. The failure to reach a consensus before the nomination deadline led both dissenting parties to file nominations in hundreds of seats independently, causing turmoil and fragmenting the Islamist vote bloc.

Key Points: Bangladesh Jamaat Alliance Rift Over Seat-Sharing Before Election

  • Seat-sharing talks intensify before deadline
  • Islami Andolan demands over 50 seats, offered 40
  • Khelafat Majlis seeks 25-30, offered 20 max
  • Both parties filed nominations in hundreds of seats
2 min read

Bangladesh: Rift emerges in Jamaat-led alliance over seat-sharing ahead of Feb polls

Cracks emerge in Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance as key partners Islami Andolan and Khelafat Majlis disagree on seat allocation for Feb 12 polls.

"if they do not get the desired seats, their party intends to keep candidates open - Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis leader"

Dhaka, Jan 14

With Bangladesh gearing up for the February 12 general elections, cracks have begun to surface within the Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance, as disagreements over seat-sharing continue to intensify despite a deadline to finalise the arrangement, local media reported on Wednesday.

Citing sources, Bangladesh's leading Bengali daily, Prothom Alo, reported that eight out of the 11 alliance partners have reached a seat-sharing agreement with Jamaat, while the Islami Andolan Bangladesh and Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis remain undecided.

Report suggests that multiple party insiders stated that the Islami Andolan, which has been negotiating a seat-sharing arrangement, had initially sought to contest elections in more than a hundred seats.

Following discussions, the party has gradually reduced its demand for seats, with its latest position standing at more than 50 seats.

However, Jamaat's offer for 40 seats has created dissatisfaction within the Islami Andolan. While some leaders are willing to compromise on 40 to 45 seats, another section believes that the deal should be reconsidered if their demands are not met.

Meanwhile, several leaders of the Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis said that they held talks with Jamaat on Monday. But disagreement over seat sharing persists as Jamaat is unwilling to meet their demands.

Speaking to Prothom Alo on condition of anonymity, a central committee leader of the Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis said that their party is seeking 25 to 30 seats, while Jamaat is offering a maximum of 20 seats.

He added that if they do not get the desired seats, their party intends to keep candidates open in the seats where no agreement is reached.

According to local media reports, Jamaat and Islami Andolan -- two of the largest Islamist groups in the country -- had been engaged in talks for over three months to consolidate Islamist votes under an alliance of eight predominantly Islamist parties.

Despite extended negotiations, the talks failed just short of the December 29, 2025, nomination deadline, prompting both parties to submit nominations in hundreds of seats, triggering turmoil within the alliance, Bangladesh's leading newspaper, The Daily Star, reported.

According to the Election Commission data, Jamaat filed nominations in 276 seats on the final day, while Islami Andolan submitted nomination papers in 268 seats.

Bangladesh's elections, scheduled for February 12, are unfolding amid escalating political tensions, with rifts widening across party lines.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Interesting dynamics next door. From an Indian perspective, a fragmented opposition usually benefits the ruling party. The Awami League might be watching this with some relief. Internal conflicts weaken the democratic process everywhere. 🤔
R
Rohit P
Seat-sharing drama is something we see in every Indian election too! It's all about winnability and political muscle. The party with more ground strength will get the seats. Simple. Hope our neighbours have a peaceful election.
S
Sarah B
While the focus is on the alliance rift, the real story is the hundreds of nominations filed separately. This indicates a complete breakdown of trust. Not a good sign for a coalition that's supposed to present a united front.
V
Vikram M
A stable and democratic Bangladesh is in India's interest. Political turmoil there can have spillover effects. Hope the EC there manages the process well and all parties accept the results gracefully. Jai Hind.
K
Karthik V
Negotiating for three months and still failing at the last minute? This shows poor leadership and planning. The common citizen suffers when politicians are busy with these ego clashes. Hope they learn from our Indian political parties on how to strike alliances!

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