Jamaat is not staying in the party of Charmonai Pir and Mamunul

Jamaat-e-Islami and eight other parties, including Islami Andolan, have hit a snag over seat-sharing at the final stage. Despite multiple meetings of the relevant liaison committee, no solution has been reached regarding the selection of unified candidates. It has been reported that this complication arose particularly due to the high seat demands from the Islami Andolan, led by Charmonai Pir Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, and the Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, led by Maulana Mamunul Haque.

Sources suggest that if these parties do not receive their requested seats, they have hinted at leaving the negotiation process to form a separate platform. Many believe that such a move might be backed by assurances from a specific influential quarter.

Meanwhile, amidst the seat-sharing complications among the eight parties, the NCP (National Citizen Party) has emerged as a new point of discussion. They also expect at least 50 seats to participate in the election alongside Jamaat. If a consensus is reached, everyone else would have to make further sacrifices. Additionally, other parties are reportedly in contact regarding seat-sharing. Altogether, a new polarization has emerged regarding this Jamaat-related electoral understanding.

According to sources, Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolan, Khelafat Majlis, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, Khelafat Andolan, Nezame Islam Party, JAGPA, and Bangladesh Development Party have been working for a long time to participate in the upcoming national parliament election on the basis of seat-sharing. Their target is to consolidate Islamic party votes into “one box” to form a government. However, this initiative has been called into question due to the last-minute seat-sharing complications.

It is reported that Jamaat-e-Islami is under significant pressure regarding the seat demands of Islami Andolan and Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis. If the demands of others are met, the number of seats for Jamaat decreases significantly. On the other hand, several parties are considering alternative decisions and forming separate platforms if they do not receive their expected seats.

Nevertheless, all parties, including Jamaat, still want the election to be held based on a mutual understanding. In this regard, others are suggesting that Jamaat should make the most sacrifices. Some hope for a resolution during a meeting of top leaders by tomorrow, Saturday. If no solution is reached then, stakeholders said they would have to wait until the withdrawal of nomination forms.

However, Dr. Hamidur Rahman Azad, Assistant Secretary General of Jamaat-e-Islami and coordinator of the eight-party alliance, stated that the seat-sharing process is progressing well. He said, “Jamaat does not ‘own’ any seats; the seats belong to everyone. All eight parties will make sacrifices, and we will all head to the election unitedly.”

He added, “Discussions regarding seat-sharing are ongoing and will be finalized very soon. We are also in talks and contact with the NCP. About a dozen more parties are in touch.”

According to related sources, the Islami Andolan, led by the Charmonai Pir, is demanding over a hundred seats. Maulana Mamunul Haque’s Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis wants at least 25 to 30 seats. The other faction of Khelafat Majlis is also seeking a significant number of seats. Meeting these demands leaves Jamaat with a much smaller number of seats, whereas Jamaat wants to contest at least 200 seats. This has created a complex situation among those involved.

According to sources, a specific quarter may be advising Islami Andolan and Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis to form a separate alliance for the election. There are even rumors of assurances of victory in their designated seats, reminiscent of past staged elections. This is why these parties might leave Jamaat’s side.

An Assistant Secretary General of Islami Andolan hinted at this, stating that they initially wanted to negotiate for 120 seats, and they definitely need over a hundred. However, if the NCP joins, some concessions will be made for them as a party of “July Warriors.” He mentioned that if Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis gets 20 seats, Khelafat Majlis gets 15, Khelafat Andolan gets 4–5, Nezame Islam Party gets 2–3, JAGPA gets one, and BDP gets two, then Jamaat taking 150 seats would not be an issue. But if they remain adamant about 180 to 190 seats, the calculations might shift in a different direction.

On the other hand, Maulana Yunus Ahmad, Secretary General of Islami Andolan, said, “Discussions on seat-sharing are still ongoing. New talks have started regarding the NCP. Some other parties also want to join. It’s taking a bit of time to discuss all these matters.”

When asked if their party is getting the desired seats, he replied, “Since no formal coalition has been formed yet, there is no question of getting or not getting anything. There is no one to ‘ask’ from. We are discussing who would be best suited for which seat. Everything is happening based on consensus; no complications have arisen yet, and no other thoughts have become clear. We are moving forward keeping all aspects in mind.”

When asked if there is any proposal or pressure from the BNP or any other quarter, he said, “The BNP contacted us a few days ago. They said their doors are open for us if we want to join. However, since we have made an announcement, we have a responsibility to implement it. We are trying to do that.”

Expressing some uncertainty about the consensus, a top leader of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis said, “We want to keep the seat-sharing and unity of the eight parties intact, but it must be while maintaining our party’s honor and dignity. For this, Jamaat must make the most sacrifices. If we don’t get honorable seats, we will consider alternatives.”

According to sources, about 60% of the party’s desired seats have been resolved or addressed so far. Stakeholders believe it will be “honorable” if at least 80% of the demand is met.

Regarding this, the party’s Secretary General, Maulana Jalaluddin Ahmad, said, “There is a delay in resolving the seat demands of each party. We want a fair and honorable solution. A meeting of top leaders will be held on this matter within a day or two.”

However, Dr. Ahmad Abdul Kader, Secretary General of Khelafat Majlis, expressed hope for an eventual seat-sharing agreement. He said, “Nothing has been finalized yet regarding seat-sharing; discussions are ongoing. There is time until the 27th for discussions. Consensus has been reached on some seats, and the rest can be settled even after the submission of nominations. Everyone wants their desired seats, but they also want to maintain unity. Therefore, I don’t see any risk of this unity breaking. Despite some complications, the unity will remain intact and might even expand.”

When asked about proposals or pressure from the BNP or others, he said, “We were given offers before, but we haven’t received any recently. I don’t think any other party wants to leave this unity either. However, there are some rumors and provocations regarding this.”

IA / Shokalbela