ABSTRACT
The primary objective of this chapter is to identify the Islamists within Bangladeshi politics, discuss their backgrounds and try to understand the trajectories of these political entities. For the purpose of this study we identify individuals, political parties and alliances that profess to adhere to an Islamic legal system and an Islamic style of governance in their publications and/or in public pronouncements as Islamists. Based on constitutions, manifestos and public pronouncements, a number of political parties in Bangladesh can be labeled as Islamist; but we will focus on those who are active in the political realm, and have a significant following among the masses.
