Labour Party Bolsters Jamaat-e-Islami Alliance to 11 Parties
The political landscape in Bangladesh has seen a significant development with the Bangladesh Labour Party (BLP) officially joining the Jamaat-e-Islami-led electoral alliance. This move, announced on Saturday, January 24, 2026, expands the coalition to 11 parties, just weeks before the nation's upcoming parliamentary elections.
The announcement was made at a press conference in Dhaka by Mostafizur Rahman Iran, Chairman of the Bangladesh Labour Party, and Maulana A.T.M. Masum, Jamaat Assistant Secretary General and Convener of its National Election Management Committee. The inclusion of the Labour Party restores the alliance's 11-party composition, following the recent withdrawal of another Islamic party, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, which cited dissatisfaction over seat allocations.
Key Players and Their Stances
The Bangladesh Labour Party, a smaller political entity, has articulated its motivation for joining the alliance. Chairman Mostafizur Rahman Iran stated that the party believes in the necessity of a 'meaningful transformation of the state' rather than merely a change of power. He further added, 'To establish justice and fulfil the aspirations of the July revolution, we have joined Jamaat in this new journey.'
Leading the alliance is Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, recognized as the country's largest Islamic political party. Jamaat-e-Islami's ideology centers on establishing an 'Islamic welfare state' through democratic processes. The party has a history of forming alliances with other political forces, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). After facing a ban from contesting elections under its own symbol in 2013, Jamaat-e-Islami regained its registration on June 1, 2025, following an order from the Supreme Court.
Electoral Context and Broader Implications
This alliance formation takes place in the run-up to Bangladesh's 13th parliamentary elections, scheduled for February 12, 2026. These elections are set to occur under an interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, which was established after the collapse of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government in August 2024. Alongside the parliamentary polls, a constitutional referendum will also be held on the same day, focusing on the provisions of the July Charter and related amendments to the Constitution. The July Charter represents a post-uprising reform framework aimed at political and constitutional changes.
The formation of such alliances is a common strategy in Bangladeshi politics, particularly for smaller parties seeking to enhance their electoral prospects by aligning with larger blocs. This expanded 11-party alliance is expected to play a role in shaping the competitive electoral landscape as the nation prepares for a pivotal election and referendum.
6 Comments
Africa
An Islamic welfare state is exactly what Bangladesh needs. Great move!
Bermudez
This alliance is deeply concerning, given Jamaat's controversial history.
Habibi
"Islamic welfare state" sounds like a recipe for regression, not progress.
Coccinella
The upcoming elections are pivotal for Bangladesh's future, and this alliance certainly adds a new dynamic. However, the focus on an 'Islamic welfare state' might overshadow the broader aspirations of the July Charter for some citizens.
Bella Ciao
Justice and transformation are within reach. Proud to see parties working together.
Raphael
It's strategic for smaller parties like BLP to join larger blocs to gain influence, yet aligning with a party like Jamaat, with its complex past, might alienate a significant portion of the electorate seeking purely secular governance.