The unity of the 11-party political alliance has come under strain in the Chattogram-8 (Boalkhali–Chandgaon) constituency, after a Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami candidate formally moved to challenge the nomination of a fellow alliance partner before the Election Commission (EC).
According to official documents from the Election Commission Secretariat dated January 12, 2026, Jamaat candidate Md Abu Naser has filed an appeal seeking the cancellation of the nomination papers of Md Jubairul Hasan Arif. The appeal has been registered as Case No. 562/26, with Md Abu Naser listed as the petitioner.
The EC is scheduled to hear the appeal on January 17, 2026.
Unprecedented Legal Confrontation Within Alliance
Political observers describe the move as highly unusual within an electoral alliance, where disputes over candidacy and seat-sharing are typically addressed through internal negotiations rather than public legal challenges. The direct appeal by a Jamaat candidate against an alliance partner has raised questions about coordination and discipline within the 11-party bloc.
The alliance, which includes Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party (NCP), was formed with the stated objective of contesting elections through a unified strategy. However, developments in Chattogram-8 suggest that grassroots-level rivalries may be overriding central decisions.
Allegations of Undermining at Local Level
Sources close to Md Jubairul Hasan Arif’s campaign allege that the legal challenge is part of a broader effort to weaken his candidacy. They claim that local Jamaat activists have been involved in filing anonymous complaints with law enforcement agencies and submitting reports to local administration alleging violations of the electoral code of conduct.
While these allegations have not been independently verified, they have intensified tensions among alliance supporters in the constituency.
Alliance Leadership Under Pressure
The situation has placed the central leadership of the 11-party alliance under growing pressure to intervene. Analysts warn that continued infighting could split the alliance’s vote base in Chattogram-8, potentially benefiting rival political forces.
With the EC hearing approaching, the outcome of the appeal—and the response of alliance leadership—may prove decisive not only for the Chattogram-8 contest but also for the broader credibility of the coalition’s unity strategy.
