### Jamaat-e-Islami's Political Resurgence: Aiming for Unity Government in Bangladesh - Jamaat-e-Islami, a once-banned Islamist party in Bangladesh, is signaling its readiness to join a unity government following the upcoming parliamentary elections in February 2026. The party's leadership has engaged in discussions with various political factions, indicating a strategic shift aimed at regaining political influence after nearly 17 years of absence from the electoral landscape. This move comes as opinion polls suggest that Jamaat-e-Islami could secure a significant number of votes, potentially finishing second to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) [https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/politics/news/jamaat-open-unity-govt-bnp-4070466][https://stratnewsglobal.com/world-news/jamaat-e-islami-signals-openness-to-unity-government-in-bangladesh-election]. ### Structure of Jamaat-e-Islami's Political Strategy 1. **Electoral Participation**: Jamaat-e-Islami is preparing for its first electoral participation in nearly two decades, aiming for a strong showing in the February elections [https://www.khaleejtimes.com/world/asia/bangladesh-elections-jamaat-e-islami-party-unity-government]. 2. **Unity Government Proposal**: The party's leadership, particularly President Shafiqur Rahman, has expressed openness to forming a unity government with the BNP, reflecting a strategic alliance to enhance political stability [https://www.newarab.com/news/bangladeshs-islamist-party-open-unity-government-after-vote]. 3. **Broadened Appeal**: Jamaat-e-Islami is attempting to expand its appeal beyond its traditional conservative base, advocating for Islamic governance while seeking to attract a wider electorate [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/politics/3746023-bangladeshs-jamaat-e-islami-eyes-political-resurgence-in-unity-government-bid]. 4. **Public Sentiment and Polls**: Recent opinion polls indicate that Jamaat-e-Islami is positioned to perform well, potentially finishing closely behind the BNP, which could influence its strategy moving forward [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/politics/3746448-jamaat-e-islami-eyes-political-rebirth-in-bangladeshs-february-elections]. ### Evidence of Political Dynamics - **Polling Data**: Opinion polls suggest that Jamaat-e-Islami is likely to secure a significant share of the vote, potentially placing it in a competitive position against the BNP [https://www.khaleejtimes.com/world/asia/bangladesh-elections-jamaat-e-islami-party-unity-government]. - **Historical Context**: The party's return to the political arena is notable given its previous ban, marking a significant shift in Bangladesh's political landscape [https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2025/12/31/bangladeshs-once-outlawed-jamaat-opens-door-to-unity-government]. - **Leadership Statements**: Shafiqur Rahman's comments to Reuters highlight the party's strategic pivot towards collaboration with other political entities, emphasizing a desire for stability and governance [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/politics/3746023-bangladeshs-jamaat-e-islami-eyes-political-resurgence-in-unity-government-bid]. ### Conclusion: Jamaat-e-Islami's Strategic Positioning - **Major Findings**: Jamaat-e-Islami is positioning itself for a significant political comeback in the February elections, with a clear strategy focused on forming a unity government with the BNP. 1. The party's engagement in discussions with multiple political groups indicates a proactive approach to governance [https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/politics/news/jamaat-open-unity-govt-bnp-4070466]. 2. Polling data supports the notion that Jamaat-e-Islami could emerge as a key player in the upcoming elections, potentially reshaping the political landscape in Bangladesh [https://www.khaleejtimes.com/world/asia/bangladesh-elections-jamaat-e-islami-party-unity-government]. 3. The party's efforts to broaden its appeal beyond its conservative roots may enhance its electoral prospects and influence in a potential unity government [https://www.newarab.com/news/bangladeshs-islamist-party-open-unity-government-after-vote]. In summary, Jamaat-e-Islami's strategic openness to a unity government and its preparations for electoral participation signal a significant shift in Bangladesh's political dynamics as the country approaches its parliamentary elections.