Wed Dec 31 15:16:10 UTC 2025: ## Islamist Party Poised for Power in Bangladesh, Eyes Unity Government

Dhaka, Bangladesh – December 31, 2025 – Jamaat-e-Islami, a once-banned Bangladeshi Islamist party, is potentially on the verge of its strongest electoral showing in nearly two decades and is open to forming a unity government after the February elections, according to its chief Shafiqur Rahman.

In an exclusive interview with Reuters, Rahman said the party has held talks with multiple parties, aiming for a stable nation with shared governance for at least five years. Opinion polls suggest Jamaat could secure a close second place to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in the upcoming polls, marking a significant return to mainstream politics after a 17-year absence. Jamaat last held power between 2001 and 2006 as a junior coalition partner with the BNP.

The party’s resurgence comes after a youth-led uprising in August 2024 ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Jamaat had been barred from elections since 2013 after a court ruled its charter violated the country’s secular constitution. However, an interim government lifted all restrictions on the party in August 2024.

Rahman emphasized that anti-corruption would be a central pillar of any unity government and stated that the premiership would go to the party winning the most seats. While Jamaat advocates Islamic governance under sharia law, it has sought to broaden its appeal, even securing a recent partnership with a Gen-Z party.

The Jamaat leader also voiced concerns about Hasina’s continued presence in India following her ouster, claiming that ties between the two nations are at their lowest point in decades. He confirmed a confidential meeting with an Indian diplomat earlier this year, underscoring the need for open and balanced relations with all nations.

Rahman further stated that a government including Jamaat would “not feel comfortable” with current President Mohammed Shahabuddin, elected in 2023 with the backing of the Awami League. President Shahabuddin declined to comment on the matter, stating he did not want to “complicate the matter further”.

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