Bangladesh will hold its first general elections since the 2024 uprising that led to the ouster of then-prime minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday, February 12 and Jamaat-e-Islami, leading an 11-party alliance, has emerged as the main rival to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-led coalition.
Bangladesh’s Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman said that his party would work to build “strong, respectful and mutually beneficial” relations with India if voted to power, asserting that New Delhi will remain a “priority”. Bangladesh is holding its first general elections since the 2024 uprising that led to the ouster of then-prime minister Sheikh Hasina today. Jamaat-e-Islami, leading an 11-party alliance, has emerged as the main rival to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-led coalition. Earlier, Rahman had described ties with India “colourful”.
Rahman said that the party would work towards national unity, equal citizenship and constructive relations with neighbouring countries, including India. “We seek positive relationships with our neighbouring countries and with friends around the world. India is our nearest neighbour, and it will remain a priority. Our goal is not to create conflict but to build partnerships for development and peace. Mutual respect and trust are essential,” Rahman said on Wednesday while speaking to reporters in Dhaka, as quoted by PTI.
Earlier this month, Rahman called ties with India “colourful”. “When it comes to relations with India, can you see how colourful it is,” he had told reporters while pointing at the chandelier.
Meanwhile, Jamaat candidate Barrister Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem Arman said that India and Bangladesh are indispensable for each other. “India and Bangladesh are indispensable for each other, and we have to work together,” Arman said while speaking to NDTV.
Jamaat’s Stand on Hindu Minorities
Ahead of the election, the Jamaat-e-Islami has been trying to portray a shift in its stance. Jamaat’s election manifesto also marks a departure from its earlier rhetoric.
Addressing apprehensions regarding minorities, the Jamaat chief rejected any form of discrimination. “Regardless of their religion, they are all Bangladeshi citizens. There are no second-class citizens in my country. I do not consider anyone a minority. We are all Bangladeshis, and everyone is a first-class citizen. We do not endorse divisions based on minority or majority,” he asserted.
He further stressed that progress depends on true inclusion. “Without inclusion, we cannot proceed as a country. But inclusion does not mean labelling people differently. It means recognising that all of us are Bangladeshi first.”
Bangaldesh Holds Crucial National Elections
Bangladesh is holding hold its crucial parliamentary elections on Thursday. The Election Commission has made elaborate security arrangements, deploying nearly one million security personnel – the largest-ever in the country’s electoral history. The 13th Parliamentary elections are being held simultaneously along with a referendum on a complex 84-point reform package.