Dhaka, Dec. 7 -- In a notable shift from its long-standing electoral practices, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has begun nominating candidates from minority communities for the upcoming 13th parliamentary election-an unprecedented move for a party that historically fielded only its own senior members.

For decades, Jamaat restricted its nominations to leaders holding at least the rank of rukon (full member). But ahead of the February election, the party has adopted a more flexible strategy. Between February and October this year, Jamaat announced candidates for all 300 constituencies in phases. Last week, it revised nominations in three seats, including one where a minority candidate was introduced for the first time.

Party sources say furth...