Jamaat-led bloc names candidates for 253 seats, IAB remain absent

The Jamaat-led alliance has announced candidates for 253 constituencies ahead of the upcoming 13th Jatiya Sangsad election, leaving Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB) out of Thursday night’s press conference and signalling growing uncertainty over whether the party will remain in the coalition.

The announcement was made at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh in Dhaka after 9:00pm, where Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Amir Dr Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher presented the final list on behalf of 10 parties.

According to the distribution, Jamaat will contest 179 seats, the National Citizen Party (NCP) 30, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis 20, Khelafat Majlis 10, LDP 7, Amar Bangladesh Party 3, Bangladesh Development Party 2 and Nezami Islam Party 2.

Taher acknowledged that disputes remain in a handful of constituencies and said they would be resolved after the withdrawal deadline.

IAB stays away, fuelling speculation

Despite being a key member of the 11-party bloc, Islami Andolan Bangladesh did not send a representative to the press conference.

The press briefing, initially scheduled for 8:00pm, began nearly 40 minutes late. Alliance insiders said the delay was linked to last-minute efforts to convince IAB to remain on board.

Sources within the alliance say a compromise was drafted that allocated 250 seats among the 10 parties, with 50 seats kept aside for IAB. However, IAB has reportedly sought at least 70 seats and has yet to give a final response.

Leaders push unity narrative despite visible fracture

Speaking at the event, Jamaat Amir Dr Shafiqur Rahman framed the seat deal as the beginning of a new political chapter. “We no longer want the old politics that becomes authoritarian and imposes itself on the people. That is why we have introduced an inclusive political system,” he said. He urged young voters to “go out, vote and keep count of the process.”

NCP Convener Nahid Islam described the coalition as a platform for reformist forces. “This is not just about elections. Parties supporting freedom and opposing inequality have come together under a shared vision. None of our candidates will run individually; they will run for the alliance,” he said.

LDP President Col (retd) Oli Ahmed called on voters to back a “just and corruption-free” government. “We have not come to rule the people; we are here to serve them,” he said. He also warned the Election Commission against “favouritism or injustice.”