The 13th parliamentary election and a national referendum are scheduled for February 12, but campaign activity in Chattogram remains subdued. Government-led promotion of the referendum is minimal, with limited visibility in both the city and surrounding upazilas. Only Jamaat-e-Islami is actively distributing leaflets door-to-door, while BNP leaders have opted out of the campaign, disagreeing with the government’s approach. The National Citizen Party (NCP) has yet to begin visible campaigning but says it will intensify efforts soon.

Field reports show widespread confusion among residents about the referendum’s purpose. Many working-class citizens interviewed said they had little or no understanding of what the referendum entails. Government advisers recently met with imams and muezzins to encourage support, and officials were urged to promote the vote. However, local sources report that upazila administrations have not organized seminars or public outreach as of mid-January.

Jamaat-e-Islami has declared a special campaign week, while the district administration claims ongoing video broadcasts, leaflet distribution, and courtyard meetings. Despite these efforts, civic activists say the government’s initiative has yet to reach grassroots levels effectively.