A proposed effort to unify seven Islamist political parties under the leadership of Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh has raised suspicions among some political figures, with allegations that the government may be orchestrating the move to fragment opposition forces. Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair expressed concern about possible political manipulation following undisclosed meetings between Hefazat leaders and government representatives. He indicated that the full implications of these discussions would become clearer over time.
Hefazat-e-Islam and the involved parties deny any government involvement, asserting that the goal is to resolve divisions among Islamist groups and work collaboratively. The parties convened on Thursday at the Al-Jamiatul Islamia Makhzanul Ulum madrasa in Dhaka’s Khilgaon area to discuss forming a coalition under the banner “Like-minded Islamist Parties.” This coalition includes Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh, Khelafat Majlish, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan, Islami Oikya Jote, and Bangladesh Nezam-e-Islam Party. At least three of these groups are part of the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance.
During the meeting, the coalition discussed the possibility of presenting a united front in upcoming local government elections, though no definitive agreement was reached, particularly on whether members should sever ties with their existing political alliances. Meeting sources indicated that Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis and Bangladesh Nezam-e-Islam Party opposed mandating departure from other alliances as a precondition for cooperation, advocating further dialogue.
Zubair acknowledged that Hefazat traditionally focuses on religious affairs but emphasized the need for clarity should it increasingly engage in political activities. While Jamaat reportedly welcomes the prospect of Islamist parties uniting, it remains vigilant regarding the initiative’s impact on its broader alliance, which was formed before the February 12 national election to pursue reformist goals and a vision of a democratic Bangladesh.
From Hefazat’s perspective, Azizul Haque Islamabadi, the group’s joint secretary general, characterized the initiative as a response to fragmentation observed in the last general election, when Islamist parties contested separately or aligned with differing coalitions. He dismissed the claims of government involvement as unfounded.
Maulana Jalaluddin Ahmad, secretary general of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, emphasized that coordination among the seven parties aims to align their programs and statements for the broader welfare of the country and the Muslim community. He clarified that no decisions have been made requiring parties to abandon other political alliances, and that Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis intends to remain in the Jamaat-led coalition.
Experts note that historical and ideological differences partly explain the initiative. AKM Waresul Karim, a professor at North South University, highlighted longstanding tensions between Qawmi madrasa-based Islamist parties and Jamaat-e-Islami, including disputes over religious legitimacy and doctrinal positions. He indicated that while the coalition might not pursue an independent political agenda, its formation could indirectly lessen political pressures on the government. Waresul also did not exclude the possibility of government support for the alliance.
Should the alliance sustain itself ahead of the local polls, it could present a challenge to the Jamaat-led coalition, especially given that parties like Jamaat, National Citizen Party, and Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis are central to that broader alliance. Any potential defections or shifts in allegiance could alter the balance within Islamist politics in Bangladesh.