As the national election draws closer, another political split may be emerging.
The Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, led by Mamunul Haque, is considering withdrawing from the eight-party alliance of religion-based parties, which includes Jamaat-e-Islami.
Leaders from several parties within the alliance stated that the situation has arisen due to disputes over seat-sharing and Jamaat’s renewed engagement with the National Citizen Party (NCP).
Multiple reliable sources within Khelafat Majlis told Dhaka Tribune that an understanding has already developed between Jamaat and the NCP. In the upcoming election, the NCP—considered a larger party—wants a significant number of seats, while Jamaat has long demanded to contest around 200 constituencies.
Against this backdrop, Mamunul Haque is likely to quit the alliance if Jamaat aligns electorally with the NCP for strategic reasons.
A central leader of Khelafat Majlis said a meeting between Jamaat and Khelafat Majlis delegations was held on Wednesday, attended by leaders of several other parties.
The talks focused on seat-sharing and the potential implications of Jamaat forming an alliance with the NCP.
Another leader said seat allocation within the eight-party alliance remains unresolved. Jamaat wants to contest independently in 180 to 200 seats, while Islami Andolan Bangladesh is seeking 120.
This has raised questions about the prospects of the remaining six parties. Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, meanwhile, wants to contest at least 30 constituencies.
A policymaking source within Khelafat Majlis said the alliance’s core objective was to consolidate Islamic parties’ votes into a single ballot box.
“This alliance was not formed to bring Jamaat to power,” the source said.
On Tuesday, influential Jamaat leaders held a meeting with several NCP leaders. An influential NCP leader confirmed the meeting to Dhaka Tribune, saying the party would contest the election as part of an alliance. Discussions with Jamaat are ongoing but not finalised.
“We cannot contest the election alone. We will go to the polls through alliances. Different teams are working on these matters,” the leader said.
On December 7, ahead of the 13th parliamentary election, the NCP, Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party), and the Bangladesh Rastro Songskar Andolon formed a new platform named the “Democratic Reform Alliance.”
One of the alliance’s key leaders told Dhaka Tribune that an electoral partnership involving Jamaat is possible, adding that Jamaat is aware of NCP’s vote potential.
A Khelafat Majlis leader said on Wednesday night that the party leadership has instructed senior figures to inform the amir of Islami Andolan—another member of the eight-party alliance—about the possible decision to withdraw.
Attempts to contact leaders of Jamaat and the NCP for comment were unsuccessful.
Later, Khelafat Majlis Joint Secretary General Maulana Ataullah Amin said: “No decision has yet been taken on seat-sharing among the eight parties. Discussions are ongoing. Whether we stay in the alliance or not will depend on directives from our leadership.”
