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“We Have Not Come to Bid Farewell—Osman Hadi Will Live in the Hearts of All Bangladeshis”

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Chief Adviser at Janazah “We Have Not Come to Bid Farewell—Osman Hadi Will Live in the Hearts of All Bangladeshis” Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus said, “Brave Osman Hadi, we have not come here to bid you farewell. You live within our hearts, and as long as Bangladesh exists, you will remain in the hearts of all Bangladeshis—no one can erase that.” He made the remarks on Saturday afternoon while speaking ahead of the janazah of Inqilab Mancha Convener Sharif Osman bin Hadi at the South Plaza of the National Parliament. The chief adviser said, “Dear Hadi, we have not come today to say goodbye; we have come to make a promise to you—that we will fulfill what you stood for.” He added that people across the country have praised Hadi’s political vision, which must remain alive in everyone’s minds and be followed. Professor Yunus further said that Hadi left behind a mantra the nation will never forget— ‘Chiro Unnata Momo Shir’ (Ever Upright Is My Head). “That head will never bow. We m...
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Jamaat Finalizes Candidates for All Seats, 80% Are New Faces

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Jamaat Finalises Candidates for All Seats, 80% Are New Faces

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has completed the selection of its candidates for all parliamentary constituencies, kicking off election preparations and launching constituency-level activities nationwide. Notably, around 80 percent of the nominees are newcomers who have never contested a national election before.

Only 59 of Jamaat’s candidates have prior election experience. Traditionally led by senior figures, the party is now emphasizing younger leadership, prioritizing candidates aged between 35 and 45.

According to party sources, Jamaat began announcing candidates in phases earlier this year. The final two constituencies—Gazipur-6 and Narsingdi-5—have now been filled, completing the list. Candidates were chosen through votes by district and upazila-level leaders, and their names were approved by the central nomination board. Although Jamaat calls this a preliminary list, the selected nominees have already begun campaigning in their constituencies.

A senior Jamaat leader told Prothom Alo that talks are underway regarding a possible electoral alliance among Islamic parties. Once an understanding or coalition is reached, some candidates may be withdrawn to accommodate allies.

Before finalising nominees, Jamaat conducts a thorough vetting process, assessing each candidate’s popularity and record. Party insiders say that unless there are disciplinary issues or scandals, nominations rarely change—making major revisions unlikely.

Despite the high number of first-time contenders, Jamaat leaders say the newcomers have the potential to win public trust. Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher told Prothom Alo, “We’ve published our preliminary list. They are young and educated. Given the time before the election, I believe they will win people’s hearts.”

He added, “There’s growing sympathy for Jamaat. People are saying, ‘We’ve seen the two major parties—now let’s see Jamaat.’ These are positive signs. I’m hopeful about our prospects.”

Experienced Candidates

Among Jamaat’s announced nominees, nine are former Members of Parliament. A total of 59 candidates have prior experience—nine have run more than twice, 15 twice, and the rest once.

Veteran candidate Maulana Abdul Hakim, who has contested every national election since 1991, is again running in Thakurgaon-2. ATM Azharul Islam, who previously contested in 1996, 2001, and 2008 and was imprisoned during the Awami League government on war crimes charges, is running again from Rangpur-2 following his release.

Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar will contest from Khulna-5, where he was elected in 2001. Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher, previously elected from Comilla-12, will again compete from Comilla-11. Assistant Secretary General AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad, who won from Cox’s Bazar-2 in 2008, will contest the same seat.

Former MP Shahjahan Chowdhury, elected from Chattogram-14 in 2001, will run in Chattogram-15 this time, while Shahadat Hossain is contesting in Chattogram-14.

Why So Many New Faces

Jamaat saw its best results in the 1991 and 2001 parliamentary elections, winning 18 and 17 seats respectively, mostly as a BNP ally. Since then, several top leaders have died or been executed for war crimes, creating space for a new generation of candidates.

Mia Golam Porwar said Jamaat’s list of potential nominees has been announced, but adjustments could be made if an alliance is finalized. He expressed confidence in the new generation: “Nearly four crore young voters will cast ballots this time—many for the first time. Our candidates are working for the country, and I believe young voters will connect with them.”

Notable New Candidates

Many of Jamaat’s new nominees are former leaders of its student wing, Islami Chhatra Shibir. Among them are former Shibir president and Dhaka South Jamaat secretary Shafiqul Islam Masud (Patuakhali-2); lawyer Shishir Monir, known for defending war crimes suspects (Sunamganj-2); former Shibir president and Dhaka North secretary Muhammad Rezaul Karim (Lakshmipur-3); and Islamic speaker Amir Hamza (Kushtia-3).

Children of executed Jamaat leaders have also been nominated: Najibur Rahman Momin, son of former Ameer Matiur Rahman Nizami (Pabna-1); Masud Sayeedi and Shamim Sayeedi, sons of Delawar Hossain Sayeedi (Pirojpur-1 and Pirojpur-2); and lawyer Mir Ahmad Bin Arman, son of Mir Quasem Ali (Dhaka-14).

Moves Toward an Islamic Alliance

Ahead of the national election, several Islamic parties are working toward an electoral alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Andolon Bangladesh (Charmonai Pir). Other parties involved include Khelafat Majlish, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, Bangladesh Nezam-e-Islam Party, Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon, Jatiya Ganatantrik Party (Jagpa), and Bangladesh Development Party.

They have jointly called for implementing the “July National Charter,” holding a referendum by November, and introducing proportional representation.

Political analysts note that previous Islamic alliances in Bangladesh have failed due to leadership disputes. However, Jamaat leaders claim that cooperation among the parties is stronger now than in the past.


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