Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh Wins Dhaka University Polls, Sparks Concern in India
Dhaka University, Bangladesh’s oldest and most influential academic institution, has long been considered the cradle of the country’s politics. Its student union elections often set the tone for wider national trends. In a historic turn, Jamaat-e-Islami’s student wing, Islami Chhatra Shibir, has secured a sweeping victory — the first time since Bangladesh’s independence in 1971 that an Islamist group has won with such dominance.
Election Results
In the latest polls, Islami Chhatra Shibir won nine out of twelve positions, including the prestigious posts of Vice President and General Secretary. Rival student groups, including the ruling Awami League’s student wing, were left far behind in terms of support and organization.
Historical Context
After the 1971 Liberation War, Jamaat-e-Islami was politically sidelined due to its alleged collaboration with Pakistan and opposition to Bangladesh’s independence. For decades, Dhaka University remained a stronghold of secular and pro-government student organizations. Shibir’s return to prominence here is not just an electoral result but a symbolic milestone, highlighting the revival of forces once thought to be permanently marginalized.
A Shift in Student Politics
The victory suggests a major shift among young voters. Awami League’s student wing, which once dominated the campus, appears to be losing ground. Instead, an alternative narrative — rooted in Islamist and opposition politics — is gaining traction. This change could eventually reshape national politics as well.
Opposition Reactions
Opposition-aligned groups welcomed Shibir’s success, framing it as a sign of political change. Some, however, raised allegations of manipulation in the process. Still, Shibir’s ability to mobilize students and present an organized front reflects its growing influence at the grassroots level.
India’s Concerns
The results have sparked unease in India. Political leaders there have warned that the rise of Jamaat-e-Islami could signal a future in which India must deal with an Islamist-influenced government in Dhaka. For New Delhi, this is a worrying development, as it threatens to weaken Bangladesh’s traditionally close ties with India.
Regional Implications
- Foreign Relations: Stronger Islamist influence could shift Bangladesh away from India’s orbit.
- Security Issues: Concerns are growing about extremism and border stability.
- Public Sentiment: The victory reflects growing discontent with the ruling party and a turn toward alternative narratives among the youth.
Conclusion
Jamaat-e-Islami’s success at Dhaka University is more than a campus election story — it is a political and symbolic turning point. Five decades after being sidelined, Islamist forces have re-emerged, signaling a potential shift in Bangladesh’s political trajectory. For India, this is a “worrying sign,” as it could reshape the strategic balance of South Asia in the years ahead.
You Might Also Like:
Our Inspirational Journey Towards Islam: A Story of Faith and Transformation
The Hypocrisy of the West: Prioritising Alcohol Over Syria’s Tragedy
Specially-Designed Sports Hijabs Empower Muslim Girls to Play Football with Confidence
