Bangladesh is heading toward general elections scheduled for February 2026 amid a turbulent political climate. The fairness of the polls remains a matter of debate, particularly with the Awami League — the country’s dominant political force for over a decade — banned from contesting. Despite this, the elections are seen as a critical democratic exercise for a nation facing an identity crisis.
In the power vacuum left by Sheikh Hasina’s ouster, the Jamaat-e-Islami has emerged as a significant player, exerting considerable influence over the interim government. The group has been vocal about enforcing stricter religious codes, calling for Bangladesh to adopt a Sharia-based governance model. Jamaat leaders have recently pressured government schools to prioritize religious instructors over music and dance teachers, framing the move as essential to curbing what they describe as a “moral crisis” among the youth.
The resurgence of the Jamaat, backed by Pakistan’s ISI since the 1970s, signals a growing push to transform Bangladesh into an Islamic state. This shift is underscored by the release of convicted extremists and the lifting of the ban on the Jamaat after Hasina’s removal. Radical groups have also intensified attacks on minorities, particularly Hindus, with over 200 incidents reported in the immediate aftermath of the August 2024 student uprising.
The political equation ahead appears to favour the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which is widely expected to return to power. However, if the BNP falls short of an outright majority, a coalition with the Jamaat — a partnership that has historical precedent — appears inevitable. Such an alliance could complicate Dhaka’s bilateral relationship with New Delhi, which has already strained under the interim administration of Muhammad Yunus.
For India, the stakes are high. A BNP-Jamaat government could embolden radical elements, potentially destabilizing the region and threatening minority rights. Bangladesh’s transition over the next year will therefore be closely watched, not just by its own citizens but by regional and global stakeholders concerned about the country’s democratic trajectory and secular identity.
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