Bangladesh heads for crucial vote: Banned Jamaat-e-Islami may emerge as No.2 force in Feb election?

Bangladesh’s once-banned Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami has signalled openness to joining a unity government ahead of February 12 parliamentary elections, as it prepares for its strongest showing in nearly 17 years. Party chief Rahman said Jamaat has held talks with multiple political groups and could again work with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), its former coalition partner. Opinion polls suggest Jamaat may finish second in the vote, marking a major return to mainstream politics. While advocating Islamic governance under sharia law, Jamaat says anti-corruption would be central to any unity government arrangement.