Bangladesh’s largest Islamist party has pledged not to impose Sharia law if it comes to power in the upcoming general elections scheduled for February 12, a statement that has triggered widespread debate about the party’s motives and credibility.
Shafiqur Rahman, leader of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, made the commitment during a meeting with Christian leaders in Dhaka on January 14. Martha Das, general secretary of the National Christian Fellowship of Bangladesh, who attended the meeting with a 20-member Christian delegation, confirmed the assurance.
“He promised that they will not run the country under Sharia law,” Das told EWTN News. She added that Christian leaders raised concerns about potential blasphemy laws and the safety of religious minorities. Rahman assured them that existing laws would remain intact and no additional legislation targeting minorities would be introduced.
Das said the community recorded these assurances and intends to hold Jamaat publicly accountable if the party reverses its position. However, Christian leaders clarified they do not support the party. “We never support the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami party,” said one leader who requested anonymity. “But before the election, it is a better opportunity to talk with candidates about safeguards for our future.”
The pledge has drawn scepticism from various quarters. A senior Catholic priest in Dhaka cautiously welcomed the statement but questioned its sincerity. “If Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami keeps its word, it is very good. But it remains to be seen whether this is a genuine commitment or a political strategy,” the priest told EWTN News.
Political analysts view the promise as an election tactic. Professor Sayeed Ferdous, associate vice chancellor of Bangladesh Open University, said sitting with different religious communities before elections is definitely an election move. “When leaders say we will do this or we will not do that, whether it is Sharia law or minority security, these must be considered election promises,” Ferdous said, noting that Bangladesh’s political history includes many unfulfilled pre-election commitments.
The controversy has exposed rifts within Islamist politics. The Islamic Movement Bangladesh withdrew from the 11-party electoral alliance led by Jamaat earlier this month and announced it would contest 268 seats independently. At a press briefing on January 16, Islamic Movement spokesperson Gazi Ataur Rahman accused the party of abandoning its ideological roots. “Jamaat has deviated from the Sharia law of Allah for power. They consider power to be the only important thing,” he said.
The pro-Pakistan party was banned under Sheikh Hasina’s regime for terror links and played a key role in ousting her Awami League government through street protests in August 2024. It has been blamed for violence against minorities ahead of the elections.
Reports suggest international engagement with Jamaat has increased. The Washington Post reported that United States diplomats are stepping up engagement with the group, based on audio recordings. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir alleged on Saturday that the party has reached a secret deal with the United States, warning such an understanding could threaten Bangladesh’s peace and stability.
Diplomats from Britain and France have also met with Shafiqur Rahman recently. The British High Commissioner Sarah Cook met the Jamaat chief on Sunday, whilst French Ambassador Jean-Marc Sere-Charlet also held discussions with Rahman the same day.
In recent election speeches, Rahman has emphasised gender equality and justice. “Together, women and men, we will build the Bangladesh of tomorrow,” he said, adding that violence against women would not be tolerated under a Jamaat-led government.
