Why Jamaat announcing election candidates so early

As uncertainty looms over the timing of Bangladesh's 13th general election, with interim government Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus suggesting it could be held by the end of this year, Jamaat-e-Islami has already begun unveiling its candidates for all 300 parliamentary constituencies. 

This early move raises questions about the party’s strategy and motivations, particularly given its demands for bringing fundamental reforms in the state machinery before holding elections.

Preparing the ground

Despite the absence of a formal election schedule or completion of the reform programme, Jamaat is actively introducing candidates across districts through public meetings. Party Amir Dr Shafiqur Rahman is touring the country extensively, ensuring these candidates gain visibility among voters. 

According to central leaders within Jamaat, the focus is on re-establishing connections with the electorate after being sidelined from elections for 16 years due to Awami League oppression.

By announcing seat-based candidates well ahead of time, Jamaat aims to:

Reintroduce itself to the masses: After years of exclusion, the party seeks to rebuild its grassroots network and increase its presence.

Enhance candidate influence: Through social work and community service, declared candidates can strengthen their local standing and win public trust.

Consolidate party leadership: By aligning candidates with regional party structures, Jamaat hopes to fortify its organisational base.

Interestingly, Jamaat has categorised its electoral strategy into two groups—‘A’ and ‘B’—with 50 priority seats in each category. While the party plans to contest strongly in over 100 constituencies nationwide, alliances could alter these plans, allowing flexibility depending on political dynamics.

Youthful leadership transition

In a strategic shift, Jamaat is giving younger leaders prominent roles in the upcoming election, relegating senior figures to advisory positions. 

A member on Jamaat’s central majlis-e-shura, speaking anonymously, explained that this approach aims to rejuvenate the party’s image and boost local acceptability through fresh faces. Even if some seats are sacrificed in potential alliances, efforts are underway to ensure these emerging leaders consolidate power at the grassroots level.

Muhammad Yasin Arafat, a member of Jamaat’s election department and former central president of Islami Chhatra Shibir, iterated the party’s readiness. "Jamaat-e-Islami is an election-oriented party," he said. 

"We have prepared thoroughly for all 300 seats. Currently, we are finalising internal selections. Once the election timeline becomes clearer, decisions regarding alliances or concessions will be made based on the overall situation."

Reform demands before elections

While preparing aggressively for the polls, Jamaat insists that essential reforms must precede the election to ensure fairness. The party chief, Dr Shafiqur Rahman, emphasised, "Basic reforms are necessary before holding elections. Without them, conducting a free and fair election would amount to electoral genocide or massacre. We want elections only after creating a just environment."

These reforms include addressing systemic biases, ensuring impartiality in law enforcement, and safeguarding democratic processes. Jamaat fears repeating the oppressive conditions under which previous elections were conducted, where one ruling party dominated without accountability.

Not a challenge to BNP allies

This preemptive announcement of candidates does not aim to pressure long-time ally BNP, according to Kazi Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman, Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Dhaka. He remarked, "This candidacy announcement is not supposed to be a challenge for BNP. They have enough qualified individuals to field more than 10 candidates per constituency. The real challenge lies in selecting the best among them."

Mahbubur Rahman added that if Islamist parties like Jamaat form a separate alliance with BNP, they could emerge as strong contenders, benefiting the country’s political landscape. Such collaborations might redefine traditional political equations and provide voters with meaningful alternatives.

Metropolitan seats finalised

According to Jamaat leaders in Dhaka and Chattogram, candidates for key metropolitan constituencies have already been finalised and will soon be announced publicly. Additionally, primary candidates have been unveiled in stronghold regions such as Sylhet division, Satkhira, and western border districts.

On Thursday night, Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, Jamaat’s Central Assistant Secretary General and Sylhet Regional Director, revealed preliminary candidates for 19 seats during an online meeting involving all levels of responsibility in Sylhet division. 

However, Jamaat supremo Shafiqur Rahman clarified that these lists represent primary selections rather than final nominations.

Strategic timing amid uncertainty

The early declaration of candidates serves multiple purposes:

Demonstrating Readiness: By showcasing preparedness, Jamaat signals its commitment to participating fully in the democratic process.

Building momentum: Public introductions allow candidates to engage directly with constituents, fostering goodwill and support.

Testing waters: Early announcements enable the party to gauge public sentiment and adjust strategies accordingly.

Political analyst Mahbubur Rahman noted that other parties might interpret this move differently. "Any party can prepare for elections whenever they see fit. Whether it’s Jamaat or others, readiness is crucial. What matters most is whether the elections themselves will reflect true democracy."

Looking ahead

With its sights set firmly on the election, Jamaat-e-Islami balances aggressive preparation with calls for meaningful reforms. As discussions around alliances intensify, the party remains poised to play a pivotal role in shaping Bangladesh’s political future. Their emphasis on youth leadership and localized engagement underscores a forward-thinking approach, aiming to bridge gaps created during their prolonged absence from electoral politics.

For now, Jamaat’s proactive stance sends a clear message: regardless of when elections occur, the party intends to make its mark—and demand justice—not just for its own cause but for the broader restoration of democracy in Bangladesh.