The political landscape in Bangladesh is undergoing significant changes as the country approaches its general election on February 12, 2026. Jamaat-e-Islami, once banned and marginalized, is emerging as a formidable force under the leadership of Shafiqur Rahman. According to Geo World, Rahman, who was previously arrested in 2022 for alleged ties to a banned militant group, is now a prominent figure in the political arena, with his image displayed across Dhaka. The party, which was banned under former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government, has been revitalized following the 2024 uprising that led to Hasina's ouster. Economic Times highlights that Jamaat is expected to perform strongly in the upcoming elections, raising concerns among moderates and minorities due to its Islamist roots. Despite its controversial past, Jamaat's manifesto ambitiously aims to transform Bangladesh into a $2 trillion economy by 2040, as reported by iwcp. This shift in perception is evident as business leaders and diplomats, who previously avoided Jamaat, are now engaging with Rahman openly.