Bangladesh’s political arena is reeling from a dramatic fallout in the Islamist opposition camp. Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB) has dramatically exited the Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party alliance, triggered by a bitter dispute over parliamentary seat distribution ahead of the February 12 elections.
The announcement came Friday after IAB snubbed a Dhaka press event where the bloc disclosed plans for 253 seats. Speaking from party headquarters, spokesperson Ghazi Ataur Rahman decried the ‘unfair’ formula, alleging it trampled on IAB’s honor and veered from Islamic ethos. ‘We refuse dependency on whims,’ he stated unequivocally.
Undeterred, IAB confirmed 268 valid nominations out of 270 submitted, directing all to contest solo. This follows a chaotic nomination phase on December 29, where stalled negotiations resulted in Jamaat claiming 276 seats and IAB 268—massive overlaps signaling disarray.
Months of talks to forge a united front crumbled under egos and allocations. Reports paint a picture of mounting friction, with IAB accusing Jamaat of domineering conduct. The Election Commission data lays bare the mess, potentially splintering conservative votes at a critical juncture.
Experts predict this could weaken the opposition’s punch against the government. With time ticking, parties scramble to adapt. Bangladesh’s electorate, navigating this turmoil, braces for a ballot box battle defined by division rather than unity, where every seat counts double.