Election campaigns in Dhaka have intensified ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election, with candidates focusing their outreach on religious and spiritual sites. Since January 22, contenders from various parties have been seen visiting mosques, temples, shrines, and the homes of martyr families to connect with voters. They are emphasizing messages of peace, harmony, and unity while pledging development, security, and justice.

Jamaat-e-Islami and BNP candidates have been particularly active in these efforts. Jamaat leaders have conducted prayers and voter meetings across multiple mosques in constituencies such as Dhaka-15, Dhaka-16, and Dhaka-18, while BNP candidates, including Ishraque Hossain and Mirza Abbas, have attended Hindu religious events and met with community members. Several candidates have also begun their campaigns by visiting shrines and martyr families to honor national sacrifices and call for democratic restoration.

The campaign period, which began on January 22, will continue until February 10. Observers note that candidates’ visible presence in religious venues has added a new dimension to the capital’s election atmosphere, with attention now on how their appeals for unity will influence voters.