Bangladesh General Election 2026: The Dramatic Resurgence of Jamaat-e-Islami

It's a gap of just 1.1%. The once-banned Jamaat-e-Islami is now breathing down the neck of the political frontrunner. As Bangladesh prepares for its general election on February 12, 2026, the political landscape of the world’s eighth-most populous country is witnessing a seismic shift. This marks the first national vote since the student-led uprising toppled Sheikh Hasina's long-standing government in 2024.

Bangladesh General Election 2026: A Tight Bipolar Race

With the Awami League currently banned, the upcoming election has evolved into a fierce contest between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and an alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami. Recent opinion polls highlight how close this race has become. A December 2025 survey by the International Republican Institute (IRI) placed the BNP at 33% support, with Jamaat trailing closely at 29%.

However, a newer poll released just last week shows BNP at 34.7% and Jamaat-e-Islami at 33.6%. This surge is driven by a vacuum left by the previous regime and Jamaat's strategic partnership with the National Citizen Party (NCP), a group formed by the youth leaders who spearheaded the 2024 uprising.

From Decades of Repression to the Brink of Power

For 15 years under Hasina, Jamaat-e-Islami faced a systematic crackdown. Its top leaders were executed or jailed over 1971 war-crimes convictions that many rights groups criticized for lack of due process. Today, the tables have turned. Sheikh Hasina herself has been sentenced to death in absentia by the same tribunal she once used against her rivals.

Jamaat is capitalizing on its reputation for organizational discipline and its claim of being a 'cleaner' alternative to the established parties. In a historic move, the party has even fielded a Hindu candidate, Krishna Nandi, in Khulna, attempting to broaden its appeal beyond its traditional Islamist base and address concerns regarding minority rights.

Challenges and Secular Concerns

Despite its rebranding, the rise of an Islamist force sparks debate over Bangladesh's future. Critics worry about potential shifts toward Sharia law and restrictions on women’s freedoms. Jamaat leadership, however, maintains that they'll govern under the secular constitution and focus on eliminating corruption.