Ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election, Jamaat-e-Islami and eight likeminded parties have intensified their preparations, progressing towards a seat-based electoral understanding. Party sources say the alliance aims to nominate candidates solely based on their winning potential, regardless of party affiliation.

The proposed alliance — involving Islami Andolon Bangladesh, several Khelafat-oriented parties, Nezam-e-Islam Party, JAGPA and the Bangladesh Development Party — is not a conventional coalition but a strategic seat-sharing arrangement. A coordination committee is currently conducting field-level surveys, with an official announcement expected in early December.

Jamaat-e-Islami, which previously introduced around 300 potential candidates, says that list was only preliminary. Internal disputes in a few constituencies have recently been resolved and candidates finalized. The party has conducted six categories of internal surveys, reportedly assisted by leaders of Islami Chhatra Shibir, while the broader eight-party committee is running another round of assessments.

Leaders involved in the discussions say candidate selection will prioritize popularity, qualifications, local acceptance and electability. Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General, Maulana Abdul Halim, stated that the party expects to finalize negotiations before the election schedule is announced, adding that Jamaat hopes to secure at least 150 seats in a fair election.

JAGPA and the Bangladesh Development Party indicated their expected seat ambitions but noted that no numbers have been finalized yet. Alliance leaders emphasize that joint campaigning, a unified manifesto and effective cooperation will be crucial to maximizing their chances in the upcoming polls.

Dr Shafiqur Rahman has been sworn in once again as the Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami for the 2026–2028 term. The oath-taking ceremony took place on Friday evening at the Al-Falah auditorium in Dhaka’s Moghbazar, where the re-elected party chief broke down in tears several times during his speech.

The election for the new term was held through a secret ballot between 9 and 25 October, with 116,792 Rukon (voting members) casting their votes. Dr Rahman secured the highest number of votes, marking his third consecutive term as Ameer. The oath was administered by ATM Masum, the party’s chief election commissioner and a central executive council member.

The event was part of the ongoing annual session of the party’s central Majlish-e-Shura. Leaders from various political parties, along with members of Jamaat’s central executive body and Shura, were present.

In his remarks after taking oath, Dr Rahman said he did not consider himself worthy of such a responsibility and acknowledged that the party had many leaders more capable than him. He also alleged that previous governments subjected Jamaat and its leaders to unjust repression, claiming that “prisons became our first home” as they were repeatedly detained without genuine allegations—except for raising their voice against injustice.

An election arch built for Mawlana Mizanur Rahman Molla, the Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis–nominated candidate for the Faridpur-4 constituency, was set on fire on Wednesday evening ahead of the upcoming 13th national elections. The incident occurred in the Nurpur area of Bhanga Municipality along the Dhaka–Khulna Highway.

According to local sources, supporters of the candidate had erected the arch a few days earlier. Unknown assailants set it ablaze in the evening, partially damaging the structure.

Bhanga Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Ashraf Hossain confirmed the incident, stating that police have launched an investigation. He added that action will be taken against those involved once they are identified.