Rising Influence of Islamist Student Groups in Bangladesh: Youth Politics Ahead of 2026 Elections
Bangladesh Student Elections 2024: Islamist Groups Gain Momentum Ahead of 2026
Introduction: A Shifting Political Landscape in Bangladesh
In the 2024 student council elections at Dhaka University (DU) and Jahangirnagar University (JU), Islamist student organizations have gained unprecedented support. The United Students Alliance, backed by Islami Chhatra Shibir, won 23 out of 28 seats at DU, including leadership positions such as vice president, general secretary, and assistant general secretary. At Jahangirnagar University, Shibir secured 20 out of 25 seats, signaling a broader political shift.
This surge in support comes as mainstream political parties like the BNP-affiliated Chhatra Dal abstained from participating. The absence of traditional political rivals created a vacuum, which Islamist student organizations were quick to fill. These results are indicative of a growing political mobilization among Bangladesh’s youth, raising questions about the potential political shifts ahead of the 2026 national elections.
The Youth Vote: Key to the 2026 Elections
Bangladesh’s population is notably young. With a median age of 26, nearly 25% of the population is between 15 and 29 years old (United Nations Population Data, 2024
). This youth vote is becoming an increasingly decisive factor in elections. A 2025 SANEM survey (SANEM, 2025
) found that 22% of voters under 35 support Jamaat-e-Islami, while 39% align with BNP-affiliated parties. Notably, 50% remain undecided, demonstrating the youth's potential to sway the 2026 election outcome.
Historical Context: Jamaat-e-Islami’s Return
Jamaat-e-Islami’s influence on Bangladesh’s political landscape has been controversial. Historically, the party opposed the country’s 1971 liberation war, and many of its leaders were convicted for war crimes. During the Awami League’s rule, Jamaat and its student wing, Islami Chhatra Shibir, were banned under anti-terrorism laws. However, in 2024, the interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, lifted the ban, citing insufficient evidence of terrorism.
Altaf Parvez, a well-known political analyst, highlights the significance of this shift: “This isn’t just a campus political change—it’s a broader reflection of societal shifts. Students are echoing changes that are happening in society.”
Shibir's Strategic Campaigning: Mobilizing the Youth Vote
Shibir’s rise can be attributed to its strategic campaign tactics. The group successfully combined traditional organizing with digital engagement to connect with the younger electorate. They employed a hybrid strategy, using pre-election reconnaissance to gauge campus sentiment, organizing flash rallies to engage students, and utilizing social media to maximize visibility.
According to Dr. Mohammad Touhidul Haque, political expert at the Research Institute for Social Welfare, “Shibir’s approach combines grassroots mobilization with real-time social media outreach, which amplifies their impact quickly and effectively.”
Key Events in the 2024 Student Elections
Early August 2024: Shibir-backed candidates win 23 out of 28 seats at DU Central Student Council Election.
Mid-August 2024: Shibir wins 20 out of 25 seats at JU Central Student Council Election.
5 August 2024: Nationwide student-led demonstrations prompt government engagement.
September 2024: Flash rallies continue to bolster Shibir’s visibility across universities.
Demographics: The Changing Face of Youth Politics
The youth demographic in Bangladesh is not only growing but also becoming more politically engaged. The median age of 26 and the rising number of university-age voters is shifting the country’s political focus towards young voters. According to the SANEM survey (SANEM, 2025
), 22% of young voters support Jamaat-e-Islami, indicating that the party’s influence among youth is steadily growing.
These trends underscore the potential for a recalibration of youth political engagement ahead of the 2026 national elections. As Dr. Sabbir Ahmed, a political science professor at DU, notes, “The rise in Shibir’s support reflects societal shifts—these elections reveal much about the political mood among young people
Impact on National Politics: The Road to 2026
While the student elections at DU and JU do not directly predict the 2026 national election results, they provide critical insights into the political preferences of the youth vote. The BNP’s abstention from recent elections has created a political vacuum, which Shibir has capitalized on. This, combined with the digital savvy of the group, is influencing the future political landscape of Bangladesh.
The political fragmentation of the mainstream parties has created new opportunities for Islamist student organizations like Shibir to gain a foothold, particularly in university campuses, which could serve as a testing ground for future political trends.
Jamaat-e-Islami's Historical Electoral Performance
1991: Jamaat-e-Islami reaches its peak, securing 12% of the national vote.
2008: The party’s vote share drops to 4.7%, and it refrains from national participation for nearly a decade.
2024-2025: A youth survey shows 22% support for Jamaat among voters under 35.
Conclusion: The Changing Political Landscape
The 2024 student elections at Dhaka University and Jahangirnagar University mark a critical moment in Bangladesh’s youth politics. The success of Islamist student groups, particularly Islami Chhatra Shibir, demonstrates their growing influence among university students. While the impact of these results on the 2026 national elections remains uncertain, the youth-driven momentum is clear.
As Bangladesh’s youth increasingly take center stage in political discourse, their views will shape the future of the nation’s politics, especially as they move toward casting ballots in the 2026 elections.
SEO Keywords: Bangladesh student elections 2024, Islami Chhatra Shibir, United Students Alliance, Jamaat-e-Islami youth support, Dhaka University student council, Jahangirnagar University election, Bangladesh youth politics, 2026 national elections
References:
United Nations Population Data, 2024
SANEM National Youth Survey, 2025
Dhaka University Election Results
Islami Chhatra Shibir Official Website
Jamaat-e-Islami’s Political History
About the Creator
Tuhin sarwar
Tuhin Sarwar is a Bangladeshi investigative journalist and author, reporting on human rights, the Rohingya crisis, and civic issues. He founded Article Insight to drive data-driven storytelling. 🌐 tuhinsarwar.com
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