13th Parliamentary Election: Jamaat Finalises Candidates, Begins Centre-Based Preparations

Except for the Gazipur-6 and Narsingdi-5 constituencies, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has finalised its candidates for the remaining 298 parliamentary seats and begun preparatory activities nearly four months ahead of the national polls.

The party has now entered the stage of centre-based preparations as part of its electoral strategy, which includes training polling agents and forming centre-level committees to prevent irregularities on election day.

According to several senior Jamaat sources, these activities will be completed within the next one to one and a half months.

Party insiders say Jamaat’s objective in the 13th parliamentary election is to establish a welfare state founded on justice and equality in the spirit of the student–people’s uprising. With this goal, the party is fully engaged in election-related activities. However, differences persist among political parties — including the BNP and Jamaat — over implementing the July National Charter and determining whether to adopt a proportional representation system.

Six parties, including Jamaat and Islami Andolan, have already launched joint street programmes based on common demands, raising questions about the certainty of the upcoming election. Jamaat sources said candidates were finalised for 298 constituencies through votes by district and upazila leaders and the central nomination board.

Although candidates are currently active in their constituencies, the list is not final. If an electoral understanding is reached with like-minded parties, some candidates may withdraw.

Younger Candidates Take the Lead

Unlike in the past, when Jamaat’s senior leadership dominated the electoral field, the current party chief, Shafiqur Rahman, is focusing on a new generation of candidates aged between 35 and 45. The campaign strategy this time emphasizes quiet, issue-based outreach, social media promotion, and local development initiatives over confrontation.

One such young candidate is Ataur Rahman Sarkar, publicity and media secretary of Jamaat’s Dhaka City North unit, who has been nominated for Brahmanbaria-4 (Kasba–Akhaura). The seat was previously held by former law minister Anisul Huq.

In an interview with Prothom Alo from Kasba on Thursday, Ataur said, “There was a time when we held meetings among ourselves, and ordinary people didn’t attend. Now we are holding yard and centre-based meetings, and Alhamdulillah, the response is beyond our expectations.”

Jamaat candidates are reportedly focusing on community-based outreach — offering free medical services, assisting the needy, attending mosque prayers, and building personal rapport with residents.

Senior Leaders in the Race

Party data shows that 15 of the 20 members of Jamaat’s central executive council — including party chief Shafiqur Rahman (Dhaka-15) and Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar (Khulna-5) — will contest the upcoming polls.

Other notable candidates include:

• Mujibur Rahman (Rajshahi-1)

• ATM Azharul Islam (Rangpur-2)

• Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher (Cumilla-11)

• Rafiqul Islam Khan (Sirajganj-4)

• AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad (Cox’s Bazar-2)

• Matiur Rahman Akand (Mymensingh-5)

• Md Izzat Ullah (Satkhira-1)

• Saiful Alam Khan Milon (Dhaka-12)

• Nurul Islam Bulbul (Chapainawabganj-3)

• Muhammad Selim Uddin (Sylhet-6)

• Muhammad Mobarak Hossain (Dhaka-13)

• Moyazzem Hossain Helal (Barishal-5)

• Principal Shahabuddin (Bogura-1)

Former Student Leaders Prominent

Several former Islami Chhatra Shibir leaders have been nominated, including Shafiqul Islam Masud (Patuakhali-2), Shishir Monir (Sunamganj-2), and Delwar Hossain Sayeedi (Thakurgaon-1).

Shishir Monir, known as a defence lawyer in the International Crimes Tribunal, came to prominence during internal disputes within Chhatra Shibir in 2010. Former Shibir president Muhammad Rezaul Karim, now Dhaka City North secretary, has been nominated in Lakshmipur-3.

In Thakurgaon-1, former Shibir president Delwar Hossain Sayeedi — once remanded for 59 days under the Awami League government — is contesting against BNP’s Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.

In Kushtia-3, noted Islamic preacher Amir Hamza has been nominated despite previous controversies over public remarks. Jamaat leaders said the party ameer cautioned him regarding his statements.

Next Generation of Convicted Leaders’ Families

Children of leaders executed for war crimes have also been nominated. They include:

• Najibur Rahman Momin, son of Motiur Rahman Nizami (Pabna-1)

• Masud Sayeedi (Pirojpur-1) and Shamim Sayeedi (Pirojpur-2), sons of Delwar Hossain Sayeedi

• Mir Ahmad Bin Arman, son of Mir Quasem Ali (Dhaka-14)

Additionally, Hasan Imam Wafy, son of executed Jamaat leader Muhammad Kamaruzzaman, plans to contest from Sherpur-1 under the Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party).

Two Constituencies Pending

Jamaat has yet to finalise candidates for Gazipur-6 and Narsingdi-5, where local objections have delayed selection. Following boundary changes, Bagerhat’s number of seats has been reduced from four to three, prompting one withdrawal.

Internal Discontent

For the first time, Jamaat is considering nominating independent or non-Muslim candidates to broaden its appeal. However, internal protests have surfaced in Pabna-5 and Mymensingh-6 over candidate selections, leading to suspensions of dissenting local leaders.

Growing Optimism

Senior Jamaat leaders say feedback from grassroots and internal surveys has been encouraging. They expect to mount strong competition across constituencies in all divisions — including Rangpur, Khulna, Rajshahi, Chattogram, and Dhaka.

Although Jamaat has not contested an election independently since 1996, the party is exploring alliances with groups like Islami Andolan to unite the Islamist vote, while also preparing to go solo if necessary.

Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar told Prothom Alo from Khulna, “The situation on the ground is exceptional this time. People want change — in the government, the state, and leadership. Jamaat has not yet been tested, and we are ready for that test.”

Observers note that Jamaat’s extensive preparations signal its determination to play a visible role in the 13th national election — though the real test lies in how much of this organisational groundwork translates into votes.