Trial by Jamaat awaits Bangladesh PM-in-waiting

While the pro-Pakistan and radical Jamaat-e-Islami failed to form government despite its best-ever performance in the Bangladesh parliamentary polls, the party, which won more than 70 seats, is likely to portray itself as a strong Opposition and try to prevent BNP from forging stronger ties with India.

Jamaat is expected to up the ante by targeting minorities and encouraging extremist forces in Bangladesh to carry out anti-India activities. The party, however, despite a media blitzkrieg couldn't translate its street power into electoral success as the Bangladeshi electorate chose a centrist party over the radicals.

Jamaat was able to make headlines in foreign media, creating an impression that it is certain to form the next government in Dhaka. Preliminary data showed women and youth largely shunned Jamaat in polls. The party's attempt to fend fences with India with an eye on capturing Awami League votes didn't cut much ice. Jamaat's performance can be attributed to voter intimidation and support from a section of the interim regime.


Bangladesh's next Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will be tested by Jamaat who can demand accommodating Pakistan's interests at the cost of India.

Jamaat had jointly run the government with BNP during 2001-06 and its activities ran inimical to New Delhi's interests. This time also, the party may try to create an atmosphere of fear, resulting in a law-and-order crisis that could test the BNP government's patience. Jamaat leaders have been accused of misogyny and its leader Shafiqur Rahman's comments ahead of polls describing working women as prostitutes sparked a major controversy. Jamaat is also accused of orchestrating the movement that ousted Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. Over the past one and half years, it spearheaded an anti-India campaign damaging bilateral ties.