Bangladesh’s Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) party faced a ban by the Awami League (AL) government on August 1. Shortly after, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned, leading to the collapse of the AL government. On August 28, the ban on the organization was lifted by Bangladesh’s interim government. JeI, the country’s largest Islamist party, has long been criticized for its involvement with Pakistan during the 1971 Liberation War. Despite facing persecution under Hasina’s rule, including the execution or imprisonment of top leaders, the party has managed to survive and potentially thrive in the future.
In an interview with The Diplomat’s South Asia editor Sudha Ramachandran, Bangladeshi theologian and security studies scholar Shafi Md Mostofa analyzed JeI’s strengths and weaknesses as it aims to establish itself as a key player in post-Hasina Bangladesh. Although the party is ideologically strong and has dedicated activists, its street power has not translated into significant electoral support. JeI’s past association with Pakistan during the war continues to harm its reputation in contemporary Bangladesh, posing a challenge to its future success.
The return and resurgence of Jamaat-e-Islami in Bangladesh have raised concerns among secular Bangladeshis and Indians. However, the party’s activities within a democratic framework, such as safeguarding minority interests, suggest a potential shift towards more inclusive practices. Ongoing developments indicate that JeI of 2024 differs from JeI of 1971, demonstrating a willingness to align with popular movements and promote coexistence among different faiths.