Islamic Movement Bangladesh Quits Jamaat-Led Bloc, Citing Ideological Differences

Islamic Movement Bangladesh has announced that it will contest independently in 268 constituencies, ultimately deciding not to join the Jamaat-e-Islami–led electoral alliance. The party also said it would support candidates in the remaining 32 constituencies whose policies and ideologies are aligned with its own. The Chormonai Pir–led party accused the alliance of failing to deliver “justice” and of “deviating from Islamic ideals” as reasons for withdrawing.

The announcement was made at a press conference held on Friday afternoon at the central office of Islamic Movement Bangladesh at Noakhali Tower in Purana Paltan. The party’s spokesperson and joint secretary general, Gazi Ataur Rahman, made the announcement. He said the press conference was arranged on the instruction of the party’s Ameer, Syed Rezaul Karim.

Gazi Ataur Rahman said that Islamic Movement Bangladesh had submitted nomination papers in 270 constituencies for the 13th National Parliamentary Election. Although the nominations of two candidates were cancelled on appeal, the remaining 268 candidates are actively in the field. “We have given clear instructions—no one will withdraw their nomination,” he said.

Explaining the decision to leave the alliance, Ataur Rahman said that Islamic Movement Bangladesh does not believe in power politics; its main objective is politics based on Islam and principles. However, toward the final stage of alliance discussions, they found that the party was repeatedly ignored on the issues of justice and ideology. “We cannot betray the emotions of our leaders, activists, and the Islamic-minded people,” he said.

At the press conference, he also raised questions about the role of the Jamaat-e-Islami leadership. He claimed that Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman announced the formation of a post-election national government after meeting BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, without any discussion with alliance partners. “When signals of understanding are given in advance with a rival party, the question arises—will this election really be an election, or will it be a selection?” Ataur Rahman said.

He further said that since Islamic Movement has candidates in 268 constituencies and 32 constituencies remain vacant, after withdrawal of nominations in those seats, the party will support honest and qualified candidates who are aligned in policy and ideology. The goal, he said, is to implement the ‘one-box policy’ in favor of Islam in all 300 constituencies.

Among the senior party leaders present at the press conference were Joint Secretary General Ashraful Alam, Assistant Secretary General Ahmad Abdul Qaiyum, K. M. Atikur Rahman, Organizing Secretary Shah Iftekhar Tariq, and other central leaders.

It is noteworthy that the 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum will be held on February 12. Ahead of this, Islamic Movement Bangladesh withdrew at the last moment from the Jamaat-e-Islami–led “11-party electoral alliance,” signaling a new realignment in Islamist politics.