Jamaat-led bloc scrambles for 47 seats after IAB exit

Tensions are rising behind the closed doors of the Jamaat-e-Islami-led 10-party alliance as fresh negotiations over parliamentary seats intensify following the exit of Islami Andolan Bangladesh. 

Once a united front under the one-ballot-box policy, the alliance now faces a delicate puzzle: how to divide the 47 vacant seats while keeping all parties satisfied.

Sources within the alliance describe a behind-the-scenes battle of strategy and influence. 

The National Citizens Party (NCP) and Mamunul Haque-led Khelafat Majlis are pressing Jamaat hard, arguing that several seats must be redistributed based on the ground-level strength and organisational reach of each party. 

At the same time, whispers suggest that Khelafat Andolan may be granted at least one constituency, adding another layer of complexity to the negotiations.

Advocate Humaira Nur, a member of NCP’s central election management committee, told Jago News, “We initially demanded 42 seats. The alliance had agreed on 30, but we have 12 more candidates with real winning potential. We are negotiating intensely with Jamaat to secure these seats for our candidates based on their viability.”

The reshuffle is also stirring uncertainty over candidates already announced in some constituencies. 

In Lakshmipur-1 (Ramganj), NCP joint convener Mahbub Alam was initially nominated, but Jamaat’s strong foothold in the area has sparked talks of replacing him with a Jamaat-backed candidate – though nothing is finalised. 

Local leaders say the tension is palpable, with the final decision awaiting central-level approval.

A senior member of Jamaat-e-Islami’s Dhaka Metropolitan South Majlis-e-Shura, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “Our candidates have submitted nominations across key seats. The liaison committee is now reviewing the remaining constituencies. The process is ongoing, and the alliance will ensure fairness while protecting the strength of each party.”

Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair confirmed that the liaison committee has been tasked with preparing proposals for the 47 remaining seats. 

These will be reviewed by the top leadership before final decisions are made, signalling high-stakes negotiations behind the alliance’s public calm.

Meanwhile, Mamunul Haque has made it clear after a meeting with Jamaat leader Taher that the Islami Andolan Bangladesh will not rejoin the coalition. 

With the alliance now firmly a 10-party bloc, the scramble for influence, seats, and strategic advantage is entering its most decisive stage, leaving political observers watching closely for the next move.