In a significant development within Bangladesh’s Islamist political landscape, Dr Shafiqur Rahman is expected to be reelected as the Amir (chief) of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami for a third consecutive term.
This would place him alongside the party’s most enduring leaders—Professor Ghulam Azam and Maulana Matiur Rahman Nizami—both of whom held the position for three terms, with both later convicted for crimes against humanity.
Leadership election begins: Tradition and transition
The election process commenced in early October and is scheduled to conclude in December.
Jamaat-e-Islami’s internal mechanism involves a month-long voting procedure conducted through secret ballots by its Rukns (top-ranking cadres) across the country.
According to central leaders, this is a routine part of the party’s organisational tradition, encompassing nomination, election, assumption of responsibility, and eventual departure.
A member of the Jamaat executive council, speaking anonymously, emphasised that the process follows a strict chain of command and is internally regarded as standard procedure, despite media speculation.
Formation of three-member panel
As per Jamaat’s tradition, a three-member panel is formed for the Amir election. Rukns vote to elect one candidate from this panel. Dr Shafiqur Rahman is expected to be a leading contender, with other potential figures including: Senior Nayeb-e-Amir Dr Syed Abdullah Md Taher, Nayeb-e-Amir
Professor Mujibur Rahman, Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar and Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad.
Any two of these leaders may join Dr Shafiqur on the panel.
Momentum behind Shafiqur’s re-election
Party insiders and long-time observers suggest that Jamaat’s internal culture favours continuity. A former Islami Chhatra Shibir member noted that incumbents are typically re-elected unless they resign or face health issues. This pattern is mirrored in Chhatra Shibir’s own leadership transitions.
Dr Shafiqur’s leadership is reportedly well-received across all levels of the party—from the central command to grassroots activists. His tenure is credited with revitalising the organisation, particularly following the events of 5 August, which marked a renewed phase of political engagement.
Narail District Jamaat Amir Ataur Rahman Bachchu praised Dr Shafiqur’s dynamism and fitness, stating that while voting will proceed as per protocol, the organisation still requires his leadership.
Shafiqur Rahman was first elected as Jamaat-e-Islami’s amir on 12 November 2019 and took oath on 5 December that year, marking the beginning of his 2020–2022 term. He was re-elected for a second consecutive term on 31 October 2022 and was sworn in on 18 November, extending his leadership through 2023–2025. The party is now holding its internal election for the 2026–2028 term, in which Shafiqur is widely expected to secure a third consecutive mandate.
Health update and public engagement
Shafiqur Rahman experienced a health scare on July 19 during a national rally at Suhrawardy Udyan. He underwent bypass surgery in August and was discharged on August 12. Since September 15, he has resumed public activities and met with foreign diplomats, signalling his recovery and continued involvement.
Ataur Rahman Sarkar, Publicity and Media Secretary of Jamaat Dhaka Metropolitan North, confirmed that Dr Rahman has participated in programmes at Mirpur, Moghbazar, and Bashundhara offices.
Election in a favourable political climate
For the first time in 15 years, Jamaat-e-Islami is conducting its leadership election in a relatively open environment. The party had operated covertly for over a decade due to political suppression. This year’s Rukn conferences are expected to be more elaborate and publicly visible.
Maulana Saif Ullah of Noakhali District’s Majlish-e-Shura stated that the election is a routine process, but this time it will be organised on a grand scale. Mubarak Hossain, Central Executive Council member and Southern Region Supervisor, confirmed that ATM Masum has been appointed as Election Commissioner for a three-year term.
Election mechanics: Regional voting and central oversight
Jamaat-e-Islami’s internal election process follows a structured and decentralised model. The party is divided into 14 regions, each overseen by a central supervisor who coordinates the voting activities. In every region, rukn (council) conferences are held where members cast their votes through secret ballots. The sealed results are then submitted to the Central Election Committee for compilation and verification. Once all regional outcomes are reviewed and finalised, the results are formally announced during the party’s shura session, typically held in December.
Post-election: Shura council formation
Following the Amir’s election, Jamaat will conduct Shura elections to form a new central working committee and executive council, setting the strategic direction for the next three years.
Shafiqur’s political journey
Shafiqur Rahman began his political career in 1977 with Jasad Chhatra League before joining Islami Chhatra Shibir. He served as president of its Sylhet Medical College and city branches. In 1984, he joined Jamaat-e-Islami and rose through the ranks—serving as Sylhet city, district, and metropolitan Amir, then as central assistant secretary. In 2016, he was appointed Secretary General, eventually becoming Amir in 2019.
Dr Shafiqur Rahman’s anticipated third term signals a continuation of Jamaat-e-Islami’s internal stability and strategic recalibration. Whether this translates into broader political influence remains to be seen, but within party circles, his leadership is seen as a cornerstone for the organisation’s future.