Jamaat Candidate Withdraws from Bhola-2 for 10-Party Alliance

In a significant move toward maintaining coalition discipline, Mufti Maulana Fazlul Karim, the Jamaat-e-Islami candidate for the Bhola-2 (Daulatkhan–Borhanuddin) constituency, has officially announced his withdrawal from the 13th National Parliamentary Election.

The decision was made to support the 10-Party Islamic Alliance's strategic seat-sharing arrangement, clearing the path for Mokhfar Uddin Chowdhury, the candidate from the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), who is contesting with the ‘Umbrella’ (Chhata) symbol.

Coalition Interest Over Party Candidacy

Mufti Fazlul Karim, who was set to run with the ‘Balance Scale’ (Daripalla) symbol, stepped down following a directive from the alliance high command. Local Jamaat leaders stated that the decision reflects the party’s commitment to "Ummatic unity" and organizational discipline.

Maulana Ashraf Uddin Farooq, Secretary of Daulatkhan Upazila Jamaat, clarified the situation: "The central alliance has nominated LDP’s Mokhfar Uddin Chowdhury for this seat. As a disciplined organization, we respect this decision and will continue our organizational activities to ensure the alliance's victory."

Mixed Reactions in the Field

The sudden withdrawal has sparked a flurry of discussions among local activists and on social media.

• Campaign Halt: On the first day of official campaigning (Thursday, Jan 22), the Daulatkhan Jamaat office remained closed as news of the withdrawal spread.

• Facebook Statement: Maulana Maqsudur Rahman, Ameer of Borhanuddin Upazila Jamaat, confirmed the news on social media, stating, "This is not a sign of weakness or fear. Rather, it is a difficult but necessary decision taken for the greater interest of reform and unity."

The Road Ahead for Bhola-2

With the Jamaat heavyweight out of the race, the spotlight shifts to the LDP’s Mokhfar Uddin Chowdhury. However, local insiders noted that as of Friday night, the LDP candidate had yet to formally reach out to the Jamaat grassroots for coordination.

The Bhola-2 seat is now expected to see a streamlined contest, as the alliance seeks to consolidate the anti-fascist vote bank to secure a win in the February 12 polls.