Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has organized a major policy proposal conference ahead of the upcoming 12 February 2026 parliamentary elections. The “ASPIRING BANGLADESH POLICY SUMMIT 2026” was held at the Grand Ballroom of Hotel Intercontinental in the capital on Tuesday (20 January) from 9 am to 5 pm. Around 450-500 participants were present.
The main objective of the summit was to present and discuss policy proposals on governance, various institutional reforms, political-socio-economic development and improvement of the education system. The slogan was “Akkankshit Bangladesh, let’s build Bangladesh together”. Policy proposals were presented under six themes at the summit.
Notably, no representatives from the United States (US) Embassy and the Indian High Commission participated in the summit. Diplomatic representatives, political leaders, academics, businessmen, journalists, members of civil society, and representatives of development partners from about 30 countries, including the United Kingdom and Pakistan, were present.
Jamaat-e-Amir Dr. Shafiqur Rahman delivered the opening speech at the summit. He said the upcoming elections must be “100% fair, impartial and acceptable”. If the party comes to power, it will follow a zero-tolerance policy against corruption and protect the independence of the judiciary.
Jamaat leaders see the summit as part of their pre-election campaign to present the party as a viable and alternative force in the country. The summit covered various sessions on economy, investment, education, health, governance and social security. The event was broadcast live on Jamaat’s official YouTube channel. There is speculation in political circles that such international participation is indicative of Jamaat’s diplomatic lobbying and efforts to increase its credibility ahead of the elections.
