Bangladesh Islamist Groups Mobilize for Elections After Years of Repression

• Bangladesh's Islamist groups, including Jamaat-e-Islami, are mobilizing for the February 12 elections, sensing a major opportunity after years of repression.
• The elections follow a mass uprising in 2024 that toppled Sheikh Hasina's autocratic government.
• Jamaat-e-Islami, the largest Islamist party, has allied with the National Citizen Party (NCP) and is fielding only male candidates.
• Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had a tough stance against Islamist movements, with several leaders executed for war crimes.
• Since Hasina's departure, Islamist leaders have been released, and groups are demanding restrictions on "anti-Islamic" cultural activities.

Why It Matters: Islamist groups in Bangladesh are making a significant political comeback ahead of the upcoming elections.