Jamaat Nears Final Seat-Sharing Deal, Targets 150 Seats

With the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election approaching, preparations in the political arena have reached their peak. Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and its like-minded parties are particularly active with electoral strategies, coalition coordination, and seat-sharing discussions. Jamaat has set an ambitious target this time—to win at least 150 seats.

Seat-sharing with like-minded parties nearly finalized

Seat-sharing negotiations between Jamaat and its allied parties are in the final stages. A coordination committee is conducting field surveys to determine which candidate has the strongest winning prospects in each constituency. Based on the survey results—such as popularity and local influence—nominations will be finalized. Sources indicate that an official announcement may come in the first week of December. Regardless of party identity, the candidate deemed most likely to win will receive the nomination.

Although a permanent alliance has not been formed in the traditional sense, a type of electoral coalition is taking shape through constituency-based agreements.

Eight parties likely in the alliance

Apart from Jamaat, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis, Khilafat Majlis, Bangladesh Khilafat Andolan, Nezam-e-Islam Party, JAGPA, and Bangladesh Development Party—eight parties in total—are under this arrangement. Six of these are Islamist-oriented. As the election approaches, more parties may join the coalition.

Alliance leaders have said that discussions are progressing on seat distribution, a joint election manifesto, and campaign strategies. All participating parties are finalizing their candidate lists.

Jamaat’s objectives and candidate selection process

Jamaat released a preliminary list of prospective candidates for nearly 300 constituencies about a year ago, though the party clarified that the list was not final. Based on coalition negotiations, candidate changes in some constituencies are possible. Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary-General Maulana Abdul Halim stated that if a free and fair election is held, they expect to win more than 150 seats.

Jamaat aims to utilize its organizational strength to the fullest. Targeting new voters—especially youth—the party has launched separate campaign strategies, including campaign music, parody songs, and showdowns, though the party’s Ameer recently banned motorcycle processions.

Secret surveys and candidate finalization

Over the past year, Jamaat conducted six phases of secret surveys with support from Islami Chhatra Shibir. Now the eight-party coordination committee is conducting an additional round of surveys. The goal is to publish the final list of candidates in early December so they have sufficient time for campaigning.

The criteria for selecting candidates include popularity, public relations, political experience, and electability.

Views of coalition partners

Ashraf Ali Akon, Presidium Member of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, said discussions are ongoing about which party’s candidate is stronger in each constituency, with the goal of ensuring the highest number of victories for the alliance.

Bangladesh Development Party’s Secretary-General Kazi Nizamul Haque Naeem said no final decision has been made regarding their allocated seats, but the party may contest in two constituencies.

JAGPA’s Vice-President Engineer Rashed Pradhan stated that seat-sharing has not yet been finalized. However, they are prepared to make maximum concessions. JAGPA aims to contest in four constituencies.