The intertwining of religion and politics in Bangladesh has reached a fever pitch, with elections serving as the battleground for faith-fueled strategies. A critical report warns that this pervasive tactic—employed by leaders across the board—is compromising the country’s democratic ethos.
Transparency International Bangladesh’s findings, spotlighted in a key online outlet, trace the roots to institutional decay, extremism’s spread, and geopolitical meddling. Candidates now promise eternal bliss for votes, brandishing election symbols as sacred keys or advocating strict Islamic codes.
Public appearances amplify the drama: stages adorned with devoutly dressed figures, blending campaign trails with religious fervor. Jamaat-e-Islami’s ‘heavenly ticket’ pledges draw fire from BNP veterans, who see echoes of bygone eras, but historical archives reveal widespread complicity.
BNP’s 1991 propaganda painted doomsday scenarios of silenced azans and Hindu rituals in mosques. Awami League countered with symbolic piety—Sheikh Hasina’s 1996 darbar launch in modest Islamic attire became a template for future bids, persisting over five elections.
The data is stark: February’s ballot features 36% Islamist candidates among 1,981 from 51 parties, eclipsing prior highs of 29.66% in 2018 and 9.5% in 2024. Independents make up 13%, but the Islamist surge signals broader governance infiltration.
Breakups like the Islamic Movement’s exit from a Jamaat-led coalition over Sharia highlight internal rifts, yet the overall momentum builds. Bangladesh’s leaders must confront this reality: unchecked religious appeals not only polarize but imperil the secular republic envisioned by its founders.