Seat-sharing deadlock exposes cracks in 8 Islamist parties’ alliance
As Bangladesh moves closer to the 13th Jatiya Sangsad elections, the much-talked-about unity among eight Islamic parties is facing its stiffest test yet. While the alliance had earlier agreed to contest the polls through a compromise to project collective strength, growing tensions over seat-sharing have now surfaced, raising questions about whether the fragile unity can hold.
Over the past year, the alliance showcased solidarity through joint movements, massive rallies in Dhaka, and coordinated programmes in divisional cities. But behind the scenes, negotiations over who will contest which seats have become increasingly contentious.
Each party, banking on its own organisational reach and voter base, is demanding a larger slice of the electoral pie – making a final agreement elusive.
Multiple responsible sources within the alliance told Jago News that distrust and unease have intensified as talks drag on. Some parties have even hinted that they may go it alone in the elections if their expectations are not met, a development that could derail the unity painstakingly built over months.
Public unity, private strain
Despite the internal strain, top leaders continue to project confidence in public. They insist that negotiations are ongoing and that no party will break ranks before the elections. Still, political observers note that speculation is rife over whether the alliance can withstand mounting pressure as the nomination deadline approaches.
Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis Secretary General Jalaluddin Ahmed acknowledged the friction, saying, “The proposals being placed are less than what we deserve. That is why some problems have arisen. Every party has its dignity and legitimate demands, which need to be ensured.”
Pointing to Jamaat-e-Islami’s central role in the alliance, he added, “Jamaat is the largest party among us. They need to be more generous. If that happens, the problem can be resolved. We hope to finalise the compromise seats within a day or two.”
Leaders of Khilafat Majlis say their party has organisational presence across 276 seats. Even if they contest a limited number, they claim their activists will support alliance partners elsewhere to ensure collective success.
Talks stuck despite weeks of discussion
According to sources familiar with the negotiations, seat-sharing talks have been underway since November 20, with detailed discussions on almost every constituency. The Islamic Movement Bangladesh has reportedly placed a demand for around 150 seats, while the Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis has asked for 50, Khilafat Majlis for 30, and Khilafat Andolan for 25 seats.
A senior Jamaat-e-Islami leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the party was making the “maximum sacrifice” to preserve unity. “Jamaat is organisationally prepared in almost every seat. But some unexpected demands have complicated matters. Even so, in the interest of national unity, we are ready to give strong candidates to our partners in many constituencies,” he said, adding that discussions were still ongoing.
Khilafat Majlis Secretary General Ahmad Abdul Quader told Jago News, “There is some tension among us, but we are working to resolve it. Since we have united, everyone will have to make sacrifices and show flexibility. As there is still time before the withdrawal of nominations, discussions will continue until the final moment.”
Jatiya Ganatantrik Party (JAGPA) Vice President Engineer Rashed Pradhan said the crisis deepened after additional parties expressed interest in joining the alliance. “When eight parties come together, different demands are natural. But new expectations from new partners have delayed the process. Everyone must make concessions for the greater interest of the country and the people,” he said.
Charmonai’s warning signals
Leaders of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, headquartered in Charmonai of Barishal, have been more vocal about their expectations. They argue that the party has the capacity to contest all 300 seats, backed by affiliated organisations among workers, youth, farmers, and professionals.
Assistant Secretary General Maulana Sheikh Fazle Bari Masud dismissed media reports of an imminent split but issued a clear warning. “Our compromise has not broken yet. We will not go with BNP, and even if we break with Jamaat, we will form an Islamic alliance,” he said, noting that Islami Andolan has already announced candidates for all 300 seats.
At the same time, he left the door open for negotiations. “We are still trying to complete the compromise smoothly. Once a solution is reached, all parties will jointly announce candidates by next Saturday or Sunday,” he told Jago News.
Uncertain road ahead
With no concrete breakthrough yet, the seat-sharing deadlock has become the biggest challenge for the eight-party alliance. Whether mutual concessions can be made in time – or whether competing ambitions will fracture the bloc – may ultimately shape not only the alliance’s electoral prospects but also the broader political landscape ahead of the polls.