The Bangladesh Minority Janata Party (BMJP), a newly formed political entity, has successfully secured the clearance of nominations for nine of its candidates for the upcoming national elections. The party, which is contesting its maiden electoral battle on February 12, had initially filed documents for 28 candidates. The development marks a significant step for the party registered earlier this year.
Strategic Alliance Talks with Jamaat-e-Islami
In a significant political move, BMJP president Sukriti Kumar Mandal has indicated the party's strong inclination towards forming an alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI). Speaking to the media from Dhaka, Mandal described JeI as a potentially better option for ensuring the security of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh, a country that has recently witnessed a spate of attacks on minority communities in the election run-up.
Mandal stated that both parties represent distinct communities and could collaborate effectively to safeguard minority interests. "We shall have a party-to-party pact for the political and social security of minorities," he affirmed. This potential partnership is notable given Jamaat-e-Islami's historical anti-liberation stance during the 1971 war. However, Mandal emphasized that the party's leadership has changed and its past position does not define its current stance.
Shifting Political Calculus and Electoral Prospects
The BMJP's leadership has shown a clear shift in its alliance preferences. While initially open to partnerships with both the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami, the party now assigns greater weight to an understanding with the latter. Mandal explained that allying with Jamaat, which is part of a 10-party alliance, would be more effective in securing minority interests compared to the BNP. He also pointed out that certain social organizations working for minorities are not supporting the BNP.
"BMJP wants to show Jamaat-e-Islami that even minorities are part of the new Bangladesh," Mandal said, highlighting the party's intent to foster inclusivity. He confirmed that preliminary talks with Jamaat have already taken place, though no final agreement has been reached.
Candidate Diversity and Nomination Hurdles
Reflecting its inclusive character, the BMJP's slate of nine cleared candidates includes representatives from multiple faiths. "Among the nine candidates whose nominations were cleared, there is a Muslim, a Buddhist, and a Christian," Mandal revealed. Regarding the rejection of the remaining 19 nominations, he attributed it to the complexities of the documentation process implemented by the authorities.
Expressing optimism about the potential alliance's chances, Mandal suggested that if Jamaat and its partners come to power, BMJP members would be accommodated in the government. This statement underscores the party's aspirations for a tangible role in governance.
A Call for India's Policy Reassessment
In a related perspective, Mandal reiterated his earlier view that India should reassess its policy towards Bangladesh. He advocated for New Delhi to look beyond Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League and adopt a more inclusive approach towards the evolving political landscape of its neighbor. This stance positions the BMJP as a stakeholder keenly aware of the regional diplomatic dimensions of Bangladesh's internal politics.
The party's entry and its strategic maneuvers add a new layer to the already complex electoral dynamics in Bangladesh, with the protection of minority rights emerging as a central theme in its political agenda.
