The election for the position of Ameer (President) of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami is expected to take place by December this year. Alongside the current Ameer, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, three other heavyweight leaders are leading the race for leadership, party sources claimed.
Preparations Underway
According to multiple sources within the party, preparations have already begun for the election process of Jamaat-e-Islami’s highest central position—Ameer. The central Majlish-e-Shura has reportedly started discussions over several panels in connection with the election.
Four Panels in the Running
Sources indicate that four panels are ahead in the competition this time. One includes the current Ameer, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman; another includes Naib-e-Ameer (Vice President) Muzibur Rahman; and a third features the party’s former acting Secretary General ATM Azharul Islam, who was recently released.
In addition, Naib-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher is emerging as a strong contender for Jamaat’s top leadership. Meanwhile, current Secretary General and former Member of Parliament, Prof. Mia Golam Parwar, also enjoys notable popularity and support among leaders and activists.
Who Elects the Ameer?
Under Jamaat’s constitution, the outgoing central Majlish-e-Shura (three-year term) forms a panel of three candidates. The Rukon (full) members then vote to elect the new Ameer from among that panel—or from outside it. More than 100,000 Rukon members nationwide cast their ballots directly in a secret vote.
Election Timeline
Speaking about the process, Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair stated:
“We plan to complete our Ameer election before December 25. Everything will be done within the stipulated time. You will also be able to know all the details.”
Leaders say the new Ameer will face the major political challenge of the upcoming national parliamentary election, underscoring the need for farsighted and energetic leadership.
Terms and Responsibilities
An elected Ameer serves for three years. With Shura’s advice, he nominates Naib-e-Ameers, the Secretary General, and other officeholders. He also takes major strategic decisions and coordinates the party’s nationwide structure. The constitution does not specify a term limit for the Ameer.
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, currently serving his second term, was first elected in 2019 and re-elected in November 2022. His present term ends in December 2025.
Background of Jamaat
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami is the oldest and largest Islamist political party, established 75 years ago during Pakistan’s era. It was banned after independence but revived in 1979 under President Ziaur Rahman’s multi-party reforms.
In 2001, Jamaat achieved significant political success, winning 18 parliamentary seats and joining the Four Party Alliance government. Its leaders Maulana Matiur Rahman Nizami and Ali Ahsan Muhammad Mujahid held cabinet positions.
After 2008, the Awami League government cracked down on Jamaat, executing and jailing top leaders over 1971 war crime allegations—moves widely criticized internationally.
In August 2024, following the fall of the Awami League government after a nationwide “Anti-Discrimination Movement,” Jamaat experienced renewed momentum. Since then, the party has been reorganizing strategies to build public support ahead of the February 2026 national election.
Its student wing, Bangladesh Islami Chhatrashibir, recently won landmark victories in the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) and Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union (JUCSU) elections.