As Bangladesh Heads To Polls, Jamaat And NCP Cry Foul Over ‘Pro-BNP’ Tilt

Last Updated:January 04, 2026, 10:43 IST

Within the NCP–Jamaat camp, it is widely perceived that the government of Muhammad Yunus is paving the way for a transfer of power to BNP leader Tarique Rahman.

Tarique Rahman (Credits: X)

As Bangladesh heads to general elections in February, questions are already being raised about how free and fair the polls will be, with the once hardline Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) and the Citizen Party (NCP) — the outfit born out of the anti-Hasina uprising — alleging that the election is neither free nor fair, with NCP particularly alleging that the system is being customised to ensure a Bangladesh ist Party (BNP) victory.

Last Friday, after his candidacy was declared valid at the Cumilla District Returning Officer’s office, Hasnat Abdullah, who had earlier infamously threatened to target India’s sensitive northeast region, alleged: “The current administration has largely tilted toward the BNP."

His comment came at a time when BNP leader and son of former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia, Tarique Rahman, returned to Bangladesh, a development that coincided with the mass cancellation of Jamaat leaders’ election nominations.

Hasnat Abdullah expressed anger that despite allegations of loan default against BNP candidate Manjurul Ahsan Munshi in the Cumilla-4 constituency, his nomination was declared valid. Speaking to journalists, he said: “Given the administration’s double standards, we are expressing concern about a neutral election."

According to this leader of the July–August mass uprising, instead of maintaining the impartial conduct expected under an interim government, the administration is showing leniency toward one outfit.

Rahman’s Return

On 25 December, after 17 years in exile, Tarique Rahman’s return to Bangladesh generated tremendous enthusiasm within the BNP. Courts have acquitted him of all major charges filed during the Awami League era, including the 21 August grenade attack case. The resolution of his passport complications and his rapid inclusion in the voter list are being viewed as signs of the government’s “special gestures".

Within the NCP–Jamaat camp, it is widely perceived that the government of Muhammad Yunus is paving the way for a transfer of power to Tarique Rahman, a message they believe has already filtered through the administration.

Jamaat Nomination Cancellations

The biggest impact of this alleged BNP favouritism is being seen in the cancellation of Jamaat-e-Islami nominations. Political circles are abuzz with speculation that Jamaat leaders’ nominations are being strategically rejected to place the BNP in a favourable position.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Secretary General and former Member of Parliament Mia Golam Porwar said, “Our struggle is against fascism and extortionists. Whether old or new, as long as fascism exists, our struggle will continue."

Although Jamaat and the NCP were active on the streets during the July–August movement, their strategic distance from the BNP in the electoral arena is now clear. Deep uncertainty has emerged over how much power parties like Jamaat or the NCP would retain if Tarique Rahman were to consolidate power single-handedly.

Those whose nominations have been cancelled may appeal to the Election Commission (EC) between 5 and 9 January. However, being consumed by legal battles during such a crucial campaign period is placing candidates at a psychological and strategic disadvantage.

When India sent External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar with a personal letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the death of Khaleda Zia to meet Tarique Rahman, New Delhi already had a sense of what lay ahead for Bangladesh’s political future.

News world As Bangladesh Heads To Polls, Jamaat And NCP Cry Foul Over ‘Pro-BNP’ Tilt

Read More