Last Updated on January 22, 2026 12:56 pm by INDIAN AWAAZ
WEB DESK
Campaigning for Bangladesh’s 13th Jatiya Sangsad election formally begins today following the allocation of election symbols and confirmation of final candidates, marking the start of full-scale political activity ahead of the February 12 polls.
The Election Commission (EC) allotted symbols to candidates yesterday, allowing parties and individuals to seek votes openly under the election code of conduct.
Nearly 2,000 candidates are contesting the election for 300 parliamentary seats, according to the EC. Voting, along with a nationwide referendum, will be held on February 12.
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is set to launch its official campaign from Sylhet, with party chairman Tarique Rahman scheduled to join rallies in seven districts on the first day.
Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman will begin his campaign today in the Dhaka-15 constituency and will tour eight districts in the northern region over the next two days.
The Jatiya Party will contest the election in 196 constituencies. Party Secretary General Shameem Haider Patwary said candidates are anxious about possible obstacles to campaigning and warned of “election engineering,” citing concerns over the lack of a level playing field.
Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader is scheduled to begin the party’s campaign in Rangpur.
The start of campaigning comes amid heightened scrutiny of the electoral environment, as major parties step up outreach while voicing concerns over fairness in the run-up to polling day.