No Alliances in Upcoming Polls, Says Jamaat Ameer

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami will contest the upcoming national parliamentary election independently, without forming any alliance, party Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has announced.

He further claimed that the Awami League has no possibility of participating in the forthcoming polls.

Speaking to reporters at Sylhet’s Osmani International Airport on Wednesday morning (5 November), the Jamaat chief reiterated the party’s determination to ensure that the national election is held in February 2026.

“We will make sure that the election takes place in February 2026 with participation from all, InshaAllah,” he said. “If it does not, the country may face serious unrest.”

Rejecting the idea of a pre-election coalition, Dr Rahman stated, “We have not decided to form any alliance, nor will we. Instead, we will pursue electoral understandings. There will be one box for each seat—that is our guiding principle. Alongside Islamic parties, patriotic and sincere individuals from various backgrounds are joining us. Our aim is to rebuild the nation together.”

The Jamaat Ameer also insisted that a national referendum must precede the general election.

“If there is no referendum first, on what legal or constitutional basis will the general election be held?” he asked. “This is why we demand that the referendum be held before the polls and that the July Charter be given legal recognition.”

In a strong critique of the Awami League, Dr Rahman said the party should be excluded from the electoral process.

“There is no scope for the Awami League to participate in the next election,” he asserted. “If they genuinely wanted elections, they had three prior opportunities—why did they waste them? They have failed to show faith in the electoral system. Forcing them into an election now would be sheer injustice.”

Referring to his recent overseas trip, Dr Rahman said Bangladeshi expatriates had shown overwhelming warmth and support.

“They welcomed me with deep affection,” he said. “Their expectations are sky-high—they want to contribute to rebuilding the country. They ask for nothing but respect. Yet despite their immense contributions, we have failed to give them the recognition they deserve.”

This marks Dr Shafiqur Rahman’s first visit to Sylhet since being re-elected as Ameer for a third consecutive term.

He is scheduled to attend a series of organisational programmes organised by Sylhet district and metropolitan Jamaat.