The religion based parties do not have any programmes on national issues. Their activities are limited within giving of statements and media releases. But the only exception is the Islami Andolan led by the pir of Charmonai. They are active on the field and take part in elections regularly.
Of the 39 political parties registered by the Election Commission (EC) 10 are religion based and while they take part in local government elections, presence in local government polls is very low.
This is reflected in the upcoming two city corporation elections slated Jan 30 next. Apart from Islami Andolan, no Islamist party gave a candidate for the polls.
Other parties do not have ward councillor candidates or any political programmes. But these parties issue statements on different national issues. When Indian court gave verdict to construct a Ram temple in the spot of the Babri mosque, all religious parties came out on the street to protest.
The religion based parties registered by the EC are: 1. Bangladesh Tarikat Federation, 2. Bangladesh Khilfat Andolan, 3. Jamiate Ulemaye Islam Bangladesh, 4. Zaker Party, 5. Islamic Front Bangladesh 6. Islami Oikya Jote, 7. Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, 8. Islami Andolan Bangladesh, 9. Bangladesh Islami Front, 10. Khelafat Majlish.
Khelafat Majlish and Jamiate Ulemaye Islam are allies in BNP led 20 party alliance.
Moulana Mahfuzul Huq of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, says: “Our activities are running and we are applying political strategies as needed.”
Moulana Abdul Latif Nezami, chairman of the Nezam e Islam party, said: “To give programmes, permission from administration is needed now and that’s why many parties cannot give any programmes.”
During winter, many religious leaders remain busy taking part in religious congregations.
Secretary General of Islami Oikya Jote, mufti Faizullah, said: “The religion based parties are progressing in their own pace but it’s not necessary to be present on the roads either.”
Islami Andolan has been vocal about the price surge of essentials and other issues.
Secretary General of Islami Andolan, moulana Younus Ahmed, said: “Islam is not insular and has solutions for all problems in life; we play our part in ensuring the rights of the citizens and are undaunted by any obstacle.”