Jamaat Eyes up to 220 Seats, Decision Due Monday

Logo of the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. Photo: Collected

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami is likely to contest up to 220 constituencies as its 10-party alliance moves towards finalising a revised seat-sharing arrangement, with a formal announcement expected on Monday (19 January).

On 15 January, the Jamaat-led alliance announced candidate distribution in 253 constituencies, allocating 179 seats to Jamaat, 30 to the National Citizen Party (NCP), and keeping 47 seats reserved for Islami Andolan Bangladesh.

However, the following day Islami Andolan announced it would contest independently under its own symbol, the “hand fan”, and declared plans to field candidates in 268 of the 300 constituencies. The move prompted fresh negotiations within the alliance over the 47 previously reserved seats.

Senior alliance leaders said discussions over the remaining seats were expected to conclude by Sunday night, clearing the way for a final announcement on Monday. They indicated there was now little chance of Islami Andolan rejoining the alliance.

According to alliance sources, Jamaat may concede a maximum of 10 seats from the previously reserved constituencies, citing its strong organisational presence in most of those areas. If negotiations proceed as expected, Jamaat’s total seat count could rise to around 220.

Other alliance partners may receive a limited number of additional constituencies. The NCP’s allocation could increase from 30 to as many as 33 seats, while Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis and Khelafat Majlis are also seeking more seats. Jamaat is reportedly willing to concede only two to three seats to each party.

Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair said the extended seat-sharing talks within the alliance would be completed by Sunday night, with a final decision to be announced on Monday. He also said individual parties were close to finalising their election manifestos, after which alliance leaders would work towards a joint manifesto.

Meanwhile, the NCP has announced final candidates in 27 constituencies and said the number could increase as talks continue. Party leaders have indicated they are ultimately aiming to contest around 40 seats and have begun sharing candidate posters on social media.