Leaders and activists of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami in Bogra have become motivated ahead of the national polls as their party is being allowed to hold programs freely after almost ten years.
Party sources said that Jamaat has already finalized candidates for five out of seven parliamentary seats in Bogra and is considering options for the other two.
They are preparing to participate in the 12th national polls to be held at the end of this year or at the beginning of next year, even though their party's registration with the Election Commission is hanging in balance.
In the August 1, 2013 verdict, the High Court had declared Jamaat's registration “illegal and void,” while observing that the registration was unlawfully done and the party's charter contained elements contrary to the constitution and election rules of Bangladesh. The appeal hearing is currently pending with the apex court.
Regardless of its preparations, Jamaat will not take part in polls held under the incumbent government, party's Bogra unit Secretary ASM Abdul Malek told Dhaka Tribune.
He said that Jamaat has picked Maulana Md Shabuddin for Bogra-1 constituency, Maulana Shahadatuzzaman for Bogra-2, Maulana Tayeb Ali for Bogra-4, Maulana Dabidur Rahman for Bogra-5 and Maulana Abidur Rahman for Bogra-6.
However, the party is yet to decide on its candidates for Bogra-3 and Bogra-7.
Abdul Malek said his party will only take part in polls if there is a neutral caretaker government.
District Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer Maulana Alamgir Hossain said his party was left alone by the BNP in 2018 and this is why this time Jamaat will contest the polls by itself. But if the situation arises, a coalition government can be formed with the BNP. He also categorically denied the involvement of party leaders in war crimes.
Local sources said Jamaat became inactive after its leaders were accused of vandalism and anarchy in the district between 2013 and 2015. Their party office was under lock and key most of the time.
But, in June and July, they staged a rally and a procession in Dhaka.
Sources further say that even the female activists of the party have become active again and are assisting their male party mates.
Jamaat leaders have also been seen conducting party activities in the guise of religious events.
The party has divided its activity into three zones in Bogra. Bogra Sadar and municipality areas have been put under Jamaat city unit, Bogra-1, Bogra-5 and Bogra-7 areas have been put under Jamaat east and the rest under Jamaat west wings.