With Bangladesh heading into its most consequential general election in years, the revival of Jamaat-e-Islami has emerged as a key political development ahead of the 2026 polls. The Islamist party, sidelined for nearly 15 years, has re-entered the political spotlight following the 2024 student uprising that reshaped the country’s power dynamics and led to the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government.

Jamaat-e-Islami, now led by Shafiqur Rahman, had remained largely marginalized since the Awami League’s consolidation of power, facing legal bans, organizational crackdowns, and shrinking public presence. However, the unrest triggered by student-led protests in August 2024 created political space for previously suppressed groups to reorganize and reconnect with disillusioned voters.

The party’s revival has been driven by a combination of grassroots mobilization, strategic repositioning, and its attempt to project itself as an alternative to both the old ruling establishment and fractured opposition forces. Jamaat has focused on youth outreach, welfare networks, and religious identity politics, tapping into frustration over economic pressures, governance failures, and political instability.

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Analysts note that Jamaat’s return does not necessarily signal a sweeping comeback but reflects a broader fragmentation of Bangladesh’s political landscape. With traditional power centers weakened, smaller and previously excluded actors are attempting to regain relevance, particularly in constituencies where voter anger against mainstream parties runs deep.

As Bangladesh prepares to elect its 300-member parliament, Jamaat-e-Islami’s renewed visibility adds a complex layer to an already volatile electoral environment. Whether the party can translate its revival into significant electoral gains remains uncertain, but its re-emergence underscores how the post-2024 upheaval continues to reshape the country’s political future.

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