US Seeks Stronger Ties with Bangladesh's Jamaat-e-Islami Ahead of Crucial Polls

• US diplomats are reportedly increasing engagement with Bangladesh's Jamaat-e-Islami party, which was previously banned, ahead of the February 12 elections.
• The move comes after Sheikh Hasina's regime was toppled, and her Awami League party is banned from contesting the upcoming polls.
• Jamaat-e-Islami, Bangladesh's largest Islamist party, is expected to perform exceptionally well in the elections, prompting US interest.
• A US diplomat, in a closed-door meeting, expressed a desire for friendship with Jamaat-e-Islami and downplayed concerns about their Sharia law interpretation.
• The party, founded in 1941, has a controversial history, including opposing Bangladesh's independence and facing war crimes trials under Hasina's government.

Why It Matters: US diplomats are actively engaging with Bangladesh's Jamaat-e-Islami, anticipating their strong performance in upcoming elections.