Toward the end of the ousted Awami League’s rule, the Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami attempted to build bridges with other Islamic parties, especially those it had long maintained distance from due to ideological differences—particularly Qawmi madrasa-based groups and parties led by religious figures or “Pirs.” One notable effort was Jamaat’s Ameer, Shafiqur Rahman’s meeting with Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s Ameer and Charmonai Pir, Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, in Barishal on January 21, where he also joined a luncheon hosted by the Islamic leader. The two leaders addressed the media, expressing intentions to bring Islamic parties under one electoral platform.

Following this, Jamaat leaders held meetings with several Qawmi-aligned groups to explore unity. However, leaders of other Islamist factions now believe Jamaat’s stance on such an alliance has shifted, as the party has recently disengaged from joint coalition-building efforts. Although Shafiqur Rahman acknowledged and respected these unity initiatives, he remained vague about Jamaat’s formal involvement. He cited the ongoing political realignment and suggested more clarity would emerge closer to the national election.

Conversations with multiple Jamaat insiders indicate that the party is increasingly inclined to contest the upcoming election independently, aiming to secure seats as an opposition party in parliament. While distancing itself from formal alliances, Jamaat continues to maintain strategic communication with other groups, including the Nationalist Students’ Party (NCP), known for its role in past mass uprisings.

Political observers monitoring Islamist movements suggest that Jamaat’s current solo posture stems from the uncertainty over Awami League’s participation in the election. In their view, past alliances between BNP and Jamaat were primarily driven by the need to oppose the ruling party. With Awami League potentially out of the electoral race, Jamaat may see less necessity in forming a coalition.

Amid these developments, Islami Andolan and four other Islamic parties are moving forward with their own alliance-building efforts, cautiously distancing themselves from Jamaat due to its ambiguous position.