Jamaat-e-Islami-led like-minded parties adopt cautious approach on seat-sharing

Staff Report: PNN

Jamaat-e-Islami has not yet announced its final decision on seat-sharing for the upcoming national elections. The party is strategically pressuring the government by coordinating joint programs with seven like-minded parties over five demands, while also preparing electoral strategies. Simultaneously, surveys are being conducted under the “one candidate per seat” principle to finalize candidates.

Jamaat and eight other parties aim to finalize seat-sharing through negotiations rather than forming a formal coalition. Party leaders expect clarity by the first week of December. Even after the schedule is announced, negotiation efforts will continue, and unofficial agreements with influential or excluded candidates may also occur.

Hamidur Rahman Azad, Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General, told Prothom Alo, “More parties may join the eight like-minded groups. There could be surprises in seat-sharing.” Party Amir Shafiqur Rahman said, “We will not form a conventional coalition, but we will have electoral understanding with multiple parties and forces.”

Sources say Jamaat is seeking support from the National Citizen Party, Amar Bangladesh Party, Gan Adhikar Parishad, and a few others. The agreements will consider popularity on the ground to determine nominations or seat concessions. Senior Presidium member Syed Mosaddeq Billah al Madani mentioned surveys are ongoing in 300 constituencies to assess popularity, expected to conclude by November.

The finalization is taking time for two reasons: negotiating with parties outside the eight groups and ensuring no internal crisis arises post-announcement.

Meanwhile, BNP is also trying to expand electoral allies, focusing on religious parties and reaching some understanding with Hefazat factions. Jamaat may also seek support from other professional groups.

Jamaat is also monitoring administrative issues, proposing measures to the Election Commission to maintain balance and applying pressure on the government. Departmental gatherings will further communicate their positions on reforms, with events beginning November 30 in divisions outside Dhaka and ending December 6 in Sylhet.

Political observers believe these strategies aim to pressure the government and gain political advantage.