Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami is set to undergo a major leadership change as the party prepares to elect a new Amir in December. According to the party’s constitution, more than one lakh Rukon (full members) will cast their votes through a secret ballot to select the new chief.
After a long hiatus, Jamaat has recently become more active in national politics, pressing for the implementation of the “July Charter” along with a five-point demand, and preparing to field candidates in all constituencies in the upcoming national elections. However, the most talked-about development is the party’s internal election, which could bring significant changes to its central leadership.
The current Amir, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, will see his second term end in December. As per the rules, under the outgoing Amir’s supervision, the Central Majlis-e-Shura will propose a three-member panel, from which Rukon members will elect the new Amir. Members will also have the option to vote for someone outside the panel.
Party insiders revealed that two possible panels are being discussed. The first includes Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, Naib-e-Amir Mujibur Rahman, and former acting secretary ATM Azharul Islam. The second replaces Azharul Islam with Naib-e-Amir Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher.
Assistant Secretary General of Jamaat, Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, confirmed that the election will be completed by December 25. He stated that the new Amir will face significant challenges ahead of the national elections, which will be crucial for the party’s future.
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman was first elected as Amir in 2019 and re-elected in 2022. Although the term length is three years, the constitution does not impose a limit on how many times one individual can be re-elected to the position.