No more seat-sharing with Islami Andolan: Mamunul Haque

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Ameer Maulana Mamunul Haque on Saturday ruled out any further seat-sharing with Islami Andolan for the upcoming elections, while leaving the door open for political dialogue outside electoral process.

Speaking to reporters at the central office of Jamaat-e-Islami in Dhaka, Mamunul Haque said that since Islami Andolan chose not to participate in the initial seat-allocation process, there is no opportunity for a new electoral compromise. 

He added that the remaining 47 seats will be distributed according to the existing process, with the strongest candidate in each constituency nominated as the sole representative of the alliance.

He further explained that candidates from parties in the alliance who are not selected for these agreed-upon seats will withdraw their nominations collectively before January 19. 

The decision follows Islami Andolan’s recent announcement that it plans to contest in all 300 constituencies, prompting the 10-party alliance to adjust its campaign strategy accordingly.

Responding to questions about the direction of Islamist parties within the alliance, Mamunul Haque said that all parties remain on the correct path, though individual perceptions may vary and differences are respected. 

Asked if there was any conspiracy behind Islami Andolan’s exit, he dismissed such notions, attributing it instead to the inability to contest jointly.

On concerns regarding Jamaat’s stance on implementing Shariah law if in power, Mamunul clarified that the party aims to proceed gradually within the constitutional framework and current political process and immediate enforcement of Shariah is not feasible.

Regarding the impact of Islami Andolan’s withdrawal on the election, he expressed confidence that the alliance’s unified call for voters’ support would remain largely unaffected.

SH