Bangladesh has been engulfed in a political crisis of unprecedented proportions, culminating in the removal of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. At the heart of this turmoil, marked by weeks of intense protests, lies Jamaat-e-Islami, a prominent Islamist organization with deep historical and political roots in the region. Established in 1975, Jamaat-e-Islami emerged from an orthodox Islamic movement in what was formerly East Pakistan. Its founder, Sayyid Abul A’la Maududi, a figure associated with the Muslim Brotherhood, envisioned the establishment of an Islamic state. The very name, Jamaat-e-Islami, translates to “congregation of Islam,” reflecting the organization’s unwavering commitment to promoting Islamic rule globally.
Over the years, Jamaat-e-Islami ascended to become the largest Islamic political party in Bangladesh, forging a strong alliance with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led by Khaleda Zia. However, in 2013, the Bangladesh government curtailed its political participation, barring it from contesting elections, citing its constitution’s opposition to secularism, a fundamental principle of the national constitution.
Jamaat-e-Islami’s history is shrouded in controversy, dating back to Bangladesh’s liberation war in 1971. Members of the organization formed auxiliary forces, including Razakars, Al-Badr, Al-Shams, and the Peace Committee, implicated in atrocities against Bengali freedom fighters and members of the Hindu community. These actions led to an initial ban imposed by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh’s founding father. Despite the ban, Jamaat-e-Islami remained a significant force in Bangladesh’s political landscape. Following the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the ensuing military coup in 1975, the ban was lifted, allowing the organization to re-emerge as Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh. Its aim remained steadfast: to create an “Islamic state” governed by Sharia law, interpreting its central political concept “Iqamat-e-Deen” as the establishment of an Islamic state through state power.
The decline of Jamaat-e-Islami in Bangladesh began with the War Crimes Tribunal initiated by the Awami League government in 2008. Numerous top Jamaat leaders, implicated in collaboration with the Pakistani Army during the 1971 liberation war, were found guilty of war crimes. This sparked widespread protests and strikes by Jamaat, resulting in over 60 deaths and extensive damage to public property. The International Crimes Tribunal charged several Jamaat leaders with crimes against humanity. Delwar Hossain Sayeedi, a deputy leader of Jamaat, was sentenced to death for genocide, rape, and religious persecution. Muhammad Kamaruzzaman was convicted of mass killings, rape, torture, and kidnapping. Ghulam Azam, former ameer of Jamaat, received a 90-year prison sentence for incitement, conspiracy, and failing to prevent murder. Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mojaheed was also sentenced to death for his crimes during the war.
Jamaat-e-Islami’s political influence extends far beyond Bangladesh. In Pakistan, the organization remains a significant force despite its involvement in militant activities through its student wing, Islami Jamiat-e-Talaba. It maintains connections with various militant groups, including Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and the Muslim Brotherhood. Jamaat has established networks in Europe and the US through South Asian immigrant communities, particularly active in the UK.
The recent political upheaval in Bangladesh began with anti-quota protests, escalating into widespread anti-Hasina demonstrations. Initially focused on the controversial government job quota system, these protests turned violent, leading to over 400 deaths and thousands of injuries. Reports indicate that Jamaat-e-Islami and its student wing, Chhatra Shibir, played a pivotal role in instigating these protests. According to an India Today report, “Islami Chatra Shibir cadres were admitted to many universities in Bangladesh from where they instigated students against the government.” Key centers of Islami Chhatra Shibir include Dhaka University, Chittagong University, Jahangir University, Sylhet University, and Rajshahi University.
In response to the escalating violence, Sheikh Hasina’s government declared Jamaat-e-Islami and Chhatra Shibir as terrorist organizations under Section 18/1 of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2009. Law enforcement agencies initiated a crackdown on Jamaat and its affiliates, targeting offices and publication houses associated with the group. Despite these efforts, reports suggest that Jamaat activists continue to mobilize and stage protests across various regions. The government has taken decisive steps to curb Jamaat’s influence. “Sheikh Hasina’s government accused the party of instigating violent protests over the last couple of months over the government job quota system,” an official statement read. This crackdown intensified following the court ruling in 2013, which revoked Jamaat’s registration, a decision upheld by the Supreme Court’s Appellate Division in 2023. Ultimately, the organization was completely banned by Dhaka on August 1, 2024.
Jamaat-e-Islami’s influence extends far beyond Bangladesh’s borders. In Pakistan, it remains a major political player, despite its involvement in militant activities. The organization has established connections with militant groups such as Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and the Muslim Brotherhood. These connections have facilitated Jamaat’s activities and ideological propagation across borders. In Europe and the US, Jamaat has capitalized on South Asian immigrant communities to establish a network of influence. The organization is particularly active in the UK, where it exerts a significant impact on Islamic organizations and community politics. Washington has also been a vocal advocate for Jamaat’s political participation, often urging Bangladesh to lift restrictions on the group.
Sheikh Hasina has been recognized as a progressive and secular leader, prioritizing economic development and secular governance. Her stance is what reportedly made her a target for radical Islamists, including Jamaat-e-Islami. Despite the challenges, Hasina remained committed to curbing the influence of extremist groups and promoting secularism in Bangladesh.
