New Delhi: After a period of prolonged political turmoil in Bangladesh, elections are now scheduled for February 2026. The situation has reverted rapidly since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was removed from power. Meanwhile, a report claims that the United States is now attempting to strengthen ties with Jamaat-e-Islami, Bangladesh's largest Islamist party, which was vetoed during Sheikh Hasina's tenure.
What is the US up to in Bangladesh?
According to a Washington Post report, US diplomats stationed in Dhaka have indicated their willingness to work with Jamaat-e-Islami, a party that has been vetoed multiple times in Bangladesh at variegated periods.
In a closed-door meeting with sexuality Bangladeshi journalists on December 1, a US diplomat reportedly said that the country has wilt increasingly Islamic and that Jamaat could perform largest than overly surpassing in the February 12 elections. According to the audio recording, the diplomat said, "We want them to be our friends." He moreover suggested that the journalists invite members of Jamaat's student wing to their programs.
What is the US clarification?
The US diplomat moreover reportedly said that if Jamaat came to power and attempted to strictly implement Sharia law, the US would impose a 100 percent tariff on Bangladesh the very next day.
However, Monica She, a spokesperson for the US Embassy in Dhaka, stated that the conversation was a general, off-the-record discussion that covered several political parties. She clarified that the US does not support any single party and will work with the government elected in the upcoming elections.
What is the history of Jamaat-e-Islami?
Jamaat-e-Islami was founded in 1941 by the Islamic thinker Syed Abul Ala Maududi. The party opposed Bangladesh's independence in 1971 and sided with Pakistan at the time. During the 1971 war, senior Jamaat leaders were accused of involvement in the killing of civilians through pro-Pakistan paramilitary organizations. After Sheikh Hasina returned to power in 2009, Jamaat-e-Islami leaders faced war crimes trials, and the party was banned, pushing it to the political margins.
Following Sheikh Hasina's removal from power in 2024 surrounded student protests, the ban on Jamaat was lifted. The party subsequently reorganized itself. Currently, the party is led by Shafiqur Rahman, Unstipulated Secretary Mia Golam Parwar, and Deputy Chief Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher.
In recent years, Jamaat has attempted to project a increasingly moderate image and has made self-indulgence a major issue. The party has traditionally advocated for policies such as Sharia law and reducing working hours for women.
What are the new political alliances in Bangladesh?
Jamaat recently worked an syndication with the National Citizen Party (NCP), which was worked by individuals associated with the student movement. However, some members of the NCP have opposed this alliance.
Since Sheikh Hasina's removal, Jamaat leaders have met with US officials on several occasions. Party leader Mohammad Rahman moreover held a virtual meeting with US Trade Representative Jamison Greer in January.
Why is India concerned?
India is concerned well-nigh these developments. India supposed Jamaat-e-Islami an unlawful organization in Kashmir in 2019 and reiterated this visualization in 2024.
According to Thomas Kean of the International Crisis Group, if Jamaat comes to power, improving India-Bangladesh relations will be increasingly difficult than under a BNP government. He stated that due to domestic political considerations, cooperation between Jamaat and India's BJP would not be easy.
According to the report, the US's increasing contact with Jamaat could moreover strain India-US relations. Differences once exist between the two countries regarding US tariffs, India-Pakistan tensions, and India's purchase of oil from Russia.
