Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh is preparing for the upcoming national election with two strategic priorities: forming a broader Islamic alliance, excluding Jamaat-e-Islami, and negotiating seat-sharing arrangements with the BNP.
The party has firmly stated that it will not align under any coalition led or influenced by Jamaat, citing deep-rooted theological and political differences.
In an exclusive interview with Dhaka Tribune, party President Maulana Ubaidullah Faruq shared his perspectives on electoral strategy, alliance politics, and broader political developments, including the July National Charter and the student council victories of Jamaat-affiliated Islami Chhatra Shibir.
Alliance plans
“Our first priority is to build an Islamic alliance where Jamaat has no place,” Faruq said.
“If they’re involved, we will step away. In parallel, we’re open to negotiating seat-sharing with the BNP. If that too fails, we will contest independently in constituencies where we have strong candidates.”
He reiterated longstanding theological objections, saying: “Mainstream Islamic scholars across the subcontinent have always viewed Jamaat’s aqeedah as deviant. We have irreconcilable differences.”
Criticism of Islamic Andolan Bangladesh
When asked about Islamic Andolan Bangladesh’s perceived attempts to forge an alliance with Jamaat, Faruq responded skeptically.
“They’ve been indecisive for 15 months. Though they claim to be Deobandi, we don’t consider them part of that tradition. Their politics have always been opportunistic, sometimes aligning with the Awami League for convenience.”
Citing the party’s record, he added: “They weren’t involved with Hefazat, and in the Barisal city polls, their Naib Ameer withdrew after facing violence. An alliance with Jamaat wouldn’t surprise me at all.”
No doubt about the polls
Faruq said he sees no uncertainty surrounding the February election or the implementation of the July Charter.
“A few months ago, there was concern. Now, all parties are preparing for polls. I’m actively campaigning in my own constituency. The longer the election is delayed, the deeper the leadership vacuum will grow.”
He expressed confidence in the July Charter’s path forward.
“The Consensus Commission reached a conclusion after extensive consultation. Proposals unrelated to the constitution will be implemented via ordinances; constitutional issues will go through Parliament. That’s a sound and lawful approach.”
Electoral ambitions
While declining to predict exact outcomes, Faruq said Jamiat is confident it can compete strongly in at least 30 seats even if contesting alone.
“In an alliance, we’re sure to win several constituencies,” he said.
Faruq confirmed he will contest from Sylhet-5 (Kanaighat-Zakiganj), while party Secretary General Manjurul Islam Affendi will run in Nilphamari-1 (Dimla-Domar).
Other target constituencies include Sylhet-4, Sunamganj-3, Narail-2, Mymensingh-3, and Netrokona-3.
Dismisses Shibir’s student wins as irrelevant
Faruq dismissed suggestions that recent victories by Islami Chhatra Shibir in student union elections would influence the national vote.
“Student politics and national elections operate on different dynamics,” he said.
“Many students likely voted tactically, perhaps even from Chhatra League ranks. That has no bearing on what the general electorate will do.”
