Jamaat's Sharia Gamble Backfires as Bangladesh Elections Approach

The Jamaat and the BNP, in an alliance for several years, split ways recently. They would contest the elections by themselves. Now the Jamaat has had another setback with its ally, the Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB), parting ways.

The IAB, after quitting, said that they were disheartened that the Jamaat wants to rule the country under the existing laws if it came to power. The IAB had hoped that the country would be ruled under Sharia law if the Jamaat alliance came to power.

Bangladesh watchers say that under the Muhammad Yunus regime, the biggest mistake was to give radical Islamists a free hand. The demands for a radical rule under Sharia law have become a new normal in the country. The issue will be a major one during the elections, and the demands for the implementation of Sharia law are only going to increase.

The Jamaat's statement about the Sharia law is hogwash, according to officials. The outfit is aware that in an election year, Sharia is not something that would gain traction with the people of Bangladesh, who are so used to a democracy. This is just a slight alignment that the Jamaat has made to capture the votes. If it is in power, it may not technically implement Sharia law. However, it would give a free hand to radical elements who will try to enforce their will on the people, officials say.

In addition to projecting a democratic face ahead of the polls, the Jamaat is also cozying up to the BNP. Discussions are being held about a possible post-poll alliance with the BNP. The experts say that the Jamaat is aware that the BNP has a good chance of winning the elections. The Jamaat wants a piece of power in Bangladesh, and hence, allying with the BNP would be a good bet. The two have ruled the country in the past together, and hence the Jamaat feels that the alliance could work.

An Intelligence Bureau official says that many of the Jamaat's allies are looking to part ways. The alliance comprises Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, Khelafat Majlis, Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan, Jatiya Ganatantrik Party, Nezame Islami Party, and the Bangladesh Development Party.

All these parties were part of the mass uprising aimed at overthrowing Sheikh Hasina, which they did successfully. Each one of them stood on one foot as they believed that Bangladesh should be governed by Sharia law and should become an Islamic State.

However, the Jamaat's changing stance to woo the voters has upset its allies. Officials say that in the days to come, the rifts would further widen as the allies would settle for nothing less than an assurance that if in power, the Sharia will be implemented, the official also added.

Intelligence agencies warn that the manner in which things are shaping up now, it appears that the elections would be a violent one. Many radical elements that the Jamaat has backed will turn against the outfit toys leading to violence, the agencies also warn.

In this mix is the ISI, which is trying everything to delay the elections. The ISI and many radical elements have also planned large-scale violence in the run-up to the elections, so that a case could be made out that the atmosphere is not conducive to elections in the country.

- IANS