Jamaat-e-Islami's Revival in Bangladesh: From Ban to 2026 Election Comeback

The 13th national parliamentary elections are tentatively scheduled to take place in April 2026, where Jamaat-e-Islami will formally contest for power after over a decade of suppression under the previous government.

Recent polling data indicated Jamaat-e-Islami positioned as a close second in voter preference ahead of the scheduled April 2026 national parliamentary elections, demonstrating substantial political momentum.

Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman unveiled a comprehensive election manifesto at a hotel in Banani, Dhaka, outlining 26 priority commitments and 41 broader vision goals. The manifesto emphasizes dismantling the 'fascist system,' youth leadership, women's safety, democratic reforms, economic revival through interest-free loans and reduced VAT, and agricultural technological advancement.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman commenced election campaign activities, conducting mass outreach in Dhaka-15 constituency and delivering speeches at public rallies as part of preparations for the April 2026 elections.

Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh held one of its largest rallies in Dhaka after the ban was lifted, marking a dramatic public comeback for the Islamist organization and demonstrating substantial grassroots support.

U.S.-designated terrorist Muzammil Iqbal Hashmi, affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed during a rally in Gujranwala, Pakistan, that LeT collaborated with Jamaat-e-Islami's student wing to incite campus unrest that contributed to the toppling of Sheikh Hasina's government.

The Appellate Division of the Bangladesh Supreme Court officially reinstated Jamaat-e-Islami's registration, formally ending its legal suspension and enabling full participation in electoral processes.

The interim government reversed the ban imposed on Jamaat-e-Islami and its affiliated organizations, allowing the party to resume political activities and begin preparations for national elections.

Sheikh Hasina's government was ousted during the July Revolution. A new interim government led by Muhammad Yunus was established to manage the transitional period.

The Hasina regime banned Jamaat-e-Islami and its student wing Shibir following their support for the Bangladesh student quota protests, marking the beginning of severe repression against the party.

President Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was assassinated by Bangladesh Army officers. Post-Mujibur governments, particularly under Ziaur Rahman, immediately recognized Jamaat-e-Islami and allowed its leader Azam to return, enabling the party to resume political activities.