Photograph: Fatima Tuj Johora/ReutersCritics say the resurgence of conservative Islamist politics has already begun to seep into society. While Jamaat e-Islami has put forward a manifesto focusing on reform, women’s safety from harassment and clean politics, the party is not running a single female candidate. Analysts emphasise that many now supporting Jamaat e-Islami are simply disenchanted with the political old guard. The authoritarian nature of Hasina’s regime somewhat discredited secularism and made voters more open to Islamist politics this time around, say analysts. One of the fresh faces of Jamaat e-Islami is Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem Arman, a barrister up for election in Dhaka.

Source: The Guardian February 12, 2026 14:33 UTC