‘Voting for Jamaat is Haram’: Hefazat Declares Jihad Ahead of Bangladesh Elections

Dhaka: The political atmosphere in Bangladesh has become more intense just before the parliamentary elections to be held on February 12. But this time the contest is not just between parties. The conflict within the Islamist organizations has come to the fore. The country's influential organization Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh has now stood directly against Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami.

Why did Hefazat adopt such a tough stance against Jamaat?

Hefazat chief Allama Shah Muhibbullah Babunagari gave a very strict statement in a meeting. He said that voting for Jamaat is 'haram' for Muslims. In a meeting in Chittagong, he clearly said, “This is not an election for me, it is a war against the Jamaat.” It was clear from his words that this is not just a political difference, but an ideological conflict.

What is the real controversy?

Babunagari alleges that Jamaat-e-Islami misinterprets Islam and uses religion for politics. Whereas Hefazat describes itself as focused on religious and social reform. This fundamental difference between the two has now come to the fore. The differences which were earlier internal, have now become public.

Will this affect the electoral equation?

It is believed that this time the Jamaat is in a stronger position than before and is giving a tough competition to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. In such a situation, open opposition to security can change the trend of votes. According to reports, BNP has also increased its closeness to Hefazat in recent months. That means this conflict is directly linked to the election strategy.

What does Hefazat's track record say?

Hefazat describes itself as a non-political organization, but its influence on politics is clearly visible. Many times it has been in the news for anti-India and anti-Hindu statements. It also organized massive protests and strikes during Narendra Modi's visit to Bangladesh.

Has this election become a 'battle of ideologies'?

Looking at the situation, it seems that this election is not limited to just changing the government. Now it has also become a fight over whose interpretation of 'true Islam' is considered. The growing distance between Hefazat and Jamaat shows how deeply religious ideologies are influencing the politics of Bangladesh. This conflict may intensify in the coming days.