Is the alliance between Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) fraying?
Bangladesh’s political landscape is undergoing significant shifts, with growing signs of tension between two historically allied political forces: the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI). While both parties have traditionally opposed the ruling Awami League (AL) led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, recent developments indicate cracks in their once-solid alliance. As the political climate evolves in Bangladesh, these tensions could have profound implications for the country’s future elections and political stability.
Historical Context: BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami Alliance
For decades, the BNP and JeI have been at the center of Bangladesh’s opposition politics, often working together in opposition to the Awami League. The BNP, founded in 1978 by Ziaur Rahman, is a center-right nationalist party, while the JeI, a long-standing Islamist political force, was legalized in 1979 under Ziaur Rahman’s leadership. Their alliance, which first took form in 1991, was pivotal in challenging the Awami League’s dominance in Bangladesh politics.
In 2001, the BNP formed a formal alliance with the JeI and other smaller political parties to contest elections. This coalition proved successful, securing a landslide victory. However, over time, their relationship became increasingly controversial, with criticism over JeI’s role in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War and its alleged links to militant groups. The relationship between the BNP and JeI became more strained as the BNP faced mounting pressure from the Awami League government.
Recent Developments: Differences Between BNP and JeI
In a recent discussion, BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi made comments that signal growing differences between the two parties. Speaking at an event organized by the Diploma Engineers Association of Bangladesh (DEAB) in Dhaka, Rizvi accused the JeI of influencing educational institutions in Bangladesh. He claimed that individuals with Jamaat-aligned ideologies have been appointed to key positions in universities, while the health and education ministries have been “overtaken by a special group.”
This accusation is significant because it marks a shift in the BNP’s stance toward its long-time ally. Rizvi’s remarks indicate that the BNP is becoming more critical of the Jamaat’s influence in Bangladesh’s political and educational systems. This development suggests that the BNP may be reconsidering its alliance with the JeI, as the party looks to position itself as a stronger force within Bangladesh’s secular political camp.
The Impact of Tensions Between BNP and JeI
These tensions come at a time of political uncertainty in Bangladesh, following the ouster of the Awami League government in August 2024. After the fall of the AL government, an interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus as the Chief Adviser, was established with the responsibility of holding fresh parliamentary elections.
Political experts argue that the BNP’s next moves will be crucial in determining whether it can maintain its role as the primary opposition party. Sharin Shajahan Naomi, a Bangladeshi academic and political observer, explained that the current political landscape in Bangladesh is divided between Islamist and secular forces. She emphasized that the BNP needs to clarify its stance on key issues such as its relationship with India and its position on secularism, as it seeks to consolidate support from both secular and Islamist groups.
While the BNP is attempting to distance itself from the Jamaat on certain issues, it is also aware that it cannot win the upcoming elections without the support of some Islamist factions. The BNP is, therefore, engaging with other Islamist forces like Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB), a Deobandi Islamist party. IAB has historically maintained distance from both the BNP and the Awami League, but its alliance with the BNP could prove essential for the latter in the upcoming polls.
BNP’s Dilemma: Secular vs Islamist Politics
The BNP’s challenge lies in balancing its secular identity with the growing influence of Islamist forces in the country’s political arena. The party’s founder, Ziaur Rahman, was known for his secular political outlook, and the BNP has historically appealed to a broad base that includes Hindu leaders and freedom fighters from Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War. However, with the rise of Islamist groups and the shifting political dynamics, the BNP faces the dilemma of maintaining its secular roots while also appeasing its Islamist allies.
As BNP leaders like Ruhul Kabir Rizvi raise concerns about Jamaat’s growing influence, it becomes increasingly clear that the party must navigate a delicate political balance. On one hand, distancing itself from the Jamaat may help the BNP attract secular voters, particularly those disillusioned with the influence of Islamist parties. On the other hand, the BNP cannot afford to completely alienate its Islamist allies, as their support is crucial to the party’s success in the upcoming elections.
Future Prospects for BNP-Jamaat Relationship
While the BNP’s evolving stance may signal the end of its formal alliance with the Jamaat, the two parties remain closely tied in Bangladesh’s complex political ecosystem. The BNP, in its bid to challenge the Awami League’s dominance, will likely continue to rely on Islamist groups to maintain its political strength.
However, the increasing competition between the BNP and the JeI could have far-reaching consequences for both parties. If the BNP successfully breaks away from the Jamaat’s influence, it may strengthen its position among secular voters and improve its chances in future elections. Conversely, if the BNP continues to cooperate with the JeI and other Islamist factions, it risks alienating secular voters, which could hurt its long-term prospects.
Conclusion: What Lies Ahead for Bangladesh’s Political Landscape?
The political situation in Bangladesh is fluid, with shifting alliances and evolving ideologies. The tensions between the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami are just one example of the broader political challenges facing the country. As the BNP navigates its relationship with Islamist forces, it must also address key issues like secularism, governance, and its stance on India. The outcome of these political maneuvers will shape the future of Bangladesh’s democracy and its political alignment in the coming years.
The upcoming elections will be a pivotal moment for the BNP, and it remains to be seen whether the party can successfully balance its secular roots with the demands of Islamist factions. For now, the political future of Bangladesh remains uncertain, and all eyes will be on the BNP and its evolving role in the country’s political landscape.
