Politics with Religion

In the politics of Bangladesh, religion, especially Islam, is a significant factor. Even though efforts have been made to secure votes from the minority communities, religion has been used and is still being used. Religious-based political parties are part of coalitions and even hold ministerial positions in Parliament.

The use of religion in politics in Bangladesh, i.e., using religion for political purposes, is unlawful. However, despite this, there are political parties in the country that have a religious basis. Major political parties in Bangladesh employ various forms of religious rhetoric before elections. Secular and nationalist political parties also have religious-oriented factions within them.

One of the main political parties in Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has sought votes by discussing the protection of Islam before elections. According to their propaganda, they claim that if the Awami League remains in power, Islam will not be preserved in the country. BNP's founder, Ziaur Rahman, added "Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim" to the constitution, targeting the politics of votes. Afterward, the military ruler Hussein Muhammad Ershad declared Islam as the state religion to target the vote politics.

In Bangladesh's political landscape, religion, particularly Islam, is a significant factor. Even though it is illegal to use religion for political purposes, various political parties have religious affiliations and employ religious rhetoric before elections.

For instance, the Awami League has often used slogans like "La ilaha illallah, naukar malik tui Allah" (There is no god but Allah, and you are His servant) before elections. They argue that without their party's victory, the minority communities in the country will not survive. Additionally, prominent leaders of the major political parties often perform Hajj or Umrah before elections and visit shrines. The founder of the National Party (BNP), Ziaur Rahman, introduced "Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim" into the constitution for political reasons. Similarly, the military ruler, Hussein Muhammad Ershad, declared Islam as the state religion for political gains.

In Bangladesh's political landscape, there are two major Islamic wings associated with the two main political parties, the Awami League and the BNP. The Awami Ulama League is an allied organization of the Awami League, and the Nationalist Ulama Party is an allied organization of the BNP.

Furthermore, the Jamaat-e-Islami, the largest Islamic political party in Bangladesh, has faced pressure due to its involvement in war crimes trials. However, they continue to be a part of the electoral process, and their vote share is significant. By forming alliances with major parties, they can influence the outcome of elections.

In independent Bangladesh, Jamaat-e-Islami won 10 seats in the first national parliamentary elections in 1986. Later, during the 1991 national elections, they formed an alliance with the BNP and secured 18 seats. Additionally, two of their leaders became ministers.These examples illustrate the intersection of religion and politics in Bangladesh's political landscape.

Subsequently, in response to the Awami League's claim of being a secular government, Jamaat-e-Islami participated in parallel movements alongside the Awami League, against the relatively powerless BNP. In the general elections held on June 12, 1996, during the care-taker government's rule, Jamaat-e-Islami won only three seats. At that time, they did not form an alliance with the BNP, resulting in their limited representation.

However, in the general elections held on October 1, 2001, Jamaat-e-Islami allied with the BNP and secured 17 seats. This alliance allowed them to have a more substantial presence in the national parliament.

These instances reflect the evolving political dynamics in Bangladesh and the role of religious parties in forming alliances with major political parties.

After Bangladesh became independent in 1971, the Constitution of 1972, under Article 38, prohibited the misuse of religion for communal or political purposes. If a political party engages in such activities, it can be banned. This provision aimed to prevent the misuse of religion for political gains.

Regarding the involvement of Jamaat-e-Islami in Bangladesh's Liberation War of 1971, it is indeed a contentious issue. Jamaat-e-Islami and some other Islamist political parties were opposed to Bangladesh's independence during the Liberation War. They were criticized for their collaboration with the Pakistani military in suppressing the Bangladeshi independence movement. However, it is important to note that political perspectives on this matter vary, and it remains a topic of debate in Bangladesh's history and politics.

Currently, within the ruling coalition of the Awami League, there are several Islamic parties. Similarly, in the opposition alliance led by the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami and other Islamic political parties maintain a significant presence in Bangladeshi politics.

Outside of this, some Islamic-based organizations in Bangladesh play a significant role in the country's politics. Among them, Hefazat-e-Islam is the primary one. Both the Awami League and the BNP have accommodated this organization. They extended support to Hefazat's rally at Shapla Chattar. They were against the government, which is why the government is not implementing women's policies. Bloggers and freethinkers are not given protection, and instead, cases are filed against them due to opposition from Hefazat.

The Election Commission has registered 10 Islamic political parties in Bangladesh. These include:

1. Bangladesh Tarikat Federation
2. Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon
3. Jamaat-e-Ulama-e-Islam Bangladesh
4. Islamic Front Bangladesh
5. Islami Oikya Jote
6. Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish
7. Islamic Andolan Bangladesh
8. Bangladesh Islamic Front
9. Khelafat Majlis

It's worth noting that the registration of Jamaat-e-Islami has been canceled by the court.

Apart from these, there are many other Islamic political parties in Bangladesh, and they either align themselves with major political parties before elections or major political parties form alliances with them.

There are allegations that some Islamic political parties in Bangladesh have supported extremism and violence. Moreover, religion is sometimes used in politics in Bangladesh to increase voter turnout. However, religious extremism or proselytism does not significantly confront opposition in the realm of politics. Most political parties aim to increase their vote share by appealing to voters' sentiments and preferences.

Nurul Alam Lenin, a member of the presidium of the Bangladesh Awami League, stated, "Historically, religion has had an influence on politics. The partition of the country in 1947 was based on religion. However, after Bangladesh gained independence in 1971, the use of religion in politics was prohibited. But after the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Ziaur Rahman reintroduced religious and communal politics in Bangladesh."

Regarding the use of religion in politics by the Awami League, Nurul Alam Lenin said, "The Awami League wants religion to remain distant from politics. It should be at a personal level. However, the situation that has been created cannot be resolved quickly. So, the Awami League needs to work strategically."

In summary, while religion has played a historical role in politics in Bangladesh, there is a desire by some political parties, including the Awami League, to keep religion separate from politics. The current situation, however, poses challenges that require strategic handling.

Ahmed Ayman Khan, an advisor to the leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), acknowledges that religion has an influence on politics not only in Bangladesh but also globally. He emphasizes that the BNP is not a secular party and believes in religious values, but it doesn't use religion for political purposes. However, like all political parties, during elections, they may use religion to gain electoral advantages.

In essence, both the Awami League and the BNP acknowledge the role of religion in politics but claim to maintain a separation between religion and political activities. However, the utilization of religious sentiments during election campaigns remains a common practice for various political parties in Bangladesh.