This candidate has been a member of Jamaat since 2003, and is also the president of the Hindu Committee of Dumuria Upazila Jamaat.
Published: December 6, 2025 8:38 PM IST
New Delhi: The buzz surrounding the general elections in Bangladesh, scheduled for February 2026, is intensifying, and the Khulna-1 constituency is attracting the most attention. The reason is clear: for the first time, Jamaat-e-Islami, a party with a hardline Islamic image, has given a ticket to a Hindu candidate, Krishna Nandi.
In this Hindu-majority area, this move is not only surprising but is also considered a game-changer in Bangladeshi politics. The Hindu community constitutes approximately 10% of the population in Bangladesh, but it plays a decisive role in many constituencies.
Why a Hindu candidate specifically in Khulna-1?
Both sub-districts of Khulna-1, Dacope and Batiaghata, are Hindu-majority areas. Hindu leaders have dominated here for decades, and a Member of Parliament from this community has been elected every time since 1996. Jamaat was aware of this socio-demographic reality, and that is why it fielded Krishna Nandi instead of a Muslim candidate.
Local party leaders say that Krishna Nandi is popular, has a strong ground-level presence, and is the right face to attract new Hindu voters. This is why the previously announced candidate, Abu Yusuf, was replaced by Nandi.
Who is Krishna Nandi?
Krishna Nandi is not a newcomer. He has been a member of Jamaat since 2003, having joined the party by paying 1,000 taka. He is also the president of the Hindu Committee of Dumuria Upazila Jamaat. He is a businessman by profession and has been active on Jamaat platforms for the past few months.
How did Jamaat, with its hardline Islamic image, suddenly become so moderate?
Following the ban on the Awami League, Hindu votes are up for grabs. The BNP has some influence, but this is new territory for Jamaat. According to political analysts, Jamaat has now adopted the same strategy that the Awami League has been using. It is also trying to portray itself as liberal. Jamaat is repeatedly stating that the party has changed its constitution, that people of all religions can become members, and that minorities will be given positions in the leadership. The recent Hindu conference organized by Jamaat in Khulna was also part of this effort, and it saw a large turnout.
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