February 12, 2026
As Bangladesh counts votes in its pivotal 2026 general election, exiled author and activist Taslima Nasreen has raised alarm over what she sees as a potential turning point in the country’s political identity.
With early trends suggesting that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) may form the next government — and the Awami League remaining banned — Nasreen warns that Jamaat-e-Islami could emerge as the country’s main opposition party for the first time in history.
She argues that such a development would fundamentally challenge Bangladesh’s secular democratic foundations.
A Defining Election Moment
The 2026 election is the first national vote since the 2024 student-led uprising that led to the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The political landscape has since shifted dramatically, with previously banned parties returning to electoral politics and new alliances reshaping the field.
Vote counting is now underway across the country, with the BNP reportedly gaining strong momentum in several regions.
If the Awami League remains barred from contesting parliamentary politics, analysts suggest Jamaat-e-Islami — currently contesting as part of an 11-party coalition — could assume the role of official opposition.
Taslima Nasreen’s Warning
Nasreen, a prominent secular voice living in exile, expressed concern that sidelining secular parties could strengthen religion-based political forces.
Writing on social media, she stated:
“This happens only because the Awami League has been banned.”
She further argued that in a secular state, religion-based parties should not serve as the primary political counterweight.
“In a truly secular state, no political party should be built on religion. If any party must be banned on principle, it should be Jamaat-e-Islami, not secular parties.”
Her comments reflect longstanding concerns among secular activists about the role of religion in governance and policymaking.
Jamaat’s Re-Entry into Mainstream Politics
Jamaat-e-Islami’s return to active political participation marks a significant shift. The party had previously faced restrictions but is now operating openly within a broader coalition framework.
Its expanded presence during this election cycle has altered voter dynamics in several constituencies. Political observers note that if Jamaat becomes the primary opposition, it would represent an unprecedented institutional role for the Islamist party.
This potential outcome has intensified debate over Bangladesh’s constitutional identity as a secular republic.
Women’s Representation and Democratic Concerns
The election also highlights ongoing structural challenges in representation.
A record 78 women candidates are contesting among more than 1,900 total candidates. However, many are relatives of established male politicians, raising questions about substantive gender empowerment in politics.
Nasreen linked the issue of secular leadership to broader democratic principles, including:
- Protection of women’s rights
- Universal education
- Universal healthcare
- Freedom of expression
- Minority protection
She argues that a democratic system must safeguard these pillars to remain inclusive and progressive.
What Lies Ahead?
As counting continues, the focus is shifting from who will form the government to what kind of opposition Bangladesh will have.
Nasreen has called for the reinstatement of the Awami League to ensure ideological balance within parliament and prevent a religion-based party from becoming the dominant opposition force.
The 2026 election may therefore define not only Bangladesh’s next administration but also the future character of its parliamentary politics.
At stake is a broader question: Will secular political forces retain institutional influence, or will religion-based parties consolidate a new position of power within the democratic system?
The answer may shape Bangladesh’s political direction for years to come.