In Chattogram, 112 candidates across 16 constituencies are in the final stretch of campaigning for Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election scheduled for February 12. Despite multiple parties and independents contesting, the main competition is between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami, both part of an 11-party alliance. In two constituencies, BNP faces additional challenges from rebel candidates. Jamaat has also left three seats for alliance partners, while smaller parties such as Islami Andolon Bangladesh, Gano Adhikar Parishad, and Ganosamhati Andolon are also active.

The contests are particularly tight in 13 constituencies, including Mirsharai, Fatikchhari, Sandwip, Sitakunda, Hathazari, Rauzan, Rangunia, Chandgaon-Boalkhali, Kotwali-Bakalia, Halishahar-Pahartali, Bandar-Patenga, Patiya, and Anwara-Karnaphuli. Each seat features six to nine candidates, but BNP and Jamaat nominees dominate the field. Local dynamics, candidate reputations, and internal party divisions are shaping the electoral landscape.

Observers note that voter sentiment, new voter registrations, and alliance coordination could determine outcomes in several constituencies, where both BNP and Jamaat remain optimistic about their chances.

Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP) and candidate of the 11-party alliance for Dhaka-11, delivered a televised address on Sunday evening urging citizens to vote early in the February 12 election. He said the alliance aims to restore democracy, protect voting rights, and establish justice. Islam pledged that no one would be able to take away people’s voting rights and called the election a continuation of the July uprising. He emphasized that the coalition’s goal is to build a new Bangladesh free from corruption, inequality, and dominance.

In his speech, Islam outlined the NCP’s vision for a reformed and fair state, highlighting plans for economic justice, environmental protection, and balanced foreign policy. He said the alliance’s 30 candidates are contesting under the ‘Shapla Kali’ symbol nationwide. He also promised to restructure the defense and police systems, ensure fair trials for past abuses, and strengthen local governance. Islam urged voters to support the alliance to achieve a “Bangladesh of change and justice.”

He added that a fair election on February 12 is essential to sustain the achievements of the August 5 revolution and to realize the dream of a reformed, independent Bangladesh.

The Election Commission of Bangladesh has announced that female voters must show their faces at polling centers during the upcoming 13th parliamentary election to verify their identities. The commission stated that this measure is necessary to prevent fraudulent voting and that no exceptions will be made. To ensure privacy, female polling officers and female Ansar members will be appointed at all centers so that veiled women can reveal their faces only to female officials.

Election Commissioner Anwarul Islam Sarkar explained that matching a voter’s face with the photo on the voter list is a mandatory part of the voting procedure. If a voter refuses to show her face, she will not receive a ballot paper. However, women who decline to unveil in the absence of female officers cannot be forced to vote, and no legal action will be taken against them. Legal experts and Islamic scholars noted that showing one’s face for identification is permissible under both law and religion, but the state and the commission must ensure women’s privacy.

The commission confirmed that the election will use paper ballots, eliminating biometric verification options available in electronic voting machines. Identity will therefore be confirmed solely by matching faces with voter list photos.

Thousands of people joined an election rally of BNP Standing Committee member and Cox’s Bazar-1 (Chakaria-Pekua) candidate Salahuddin Ahmed in Pekua on Sunday afternoon. The rally began at 4 p.m. from Alhaj Kabir Ahmed Chowdhury Market and proceeded along Banoja Road before concluding with a street meeting at Sakurpara Station in the evening. Supporters from seven unions arrived by bus, truck, and on foot, filling the Pekua town center with chants and slogans in support of Salahuddin and the BNP’s ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol.

Participants carried placards and images of party leaders Tarique Rahman and Salahuddin Ahmed, while some danced and sang to seek votes. Salahuddin, standing in an open jeep, waved to the crowd and later addressed the gathering, thanking supporters for their enthusiasm and urging them to vote for the BNP symbol on February 12. He also announced that the party’s final campaign rally would be held at the Chakaria bus terminal on Monday afternoon.

Local observers described the event as one of the largest political gatherings in Pekua’s history.

Ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election, intelligence sources have revealed alarming plans to sabotage the voting process by attacking storage sites containing ballot papers and other election materials. The reported scheme involves nighttime assaults using explosives and petrol bombs to destroy ballots and disrupt polling. Following these reports, the Election Commission and law enforcement agencies have issued nationwide alerts, with two security agencies recommending immediate preventive measures to the government and the commission.

According to the Election Commission, ballot papers began moving from district offices to upazila-level storage on February 8, where they are being kept in temporary storerooms that could be vulnerable to attack. Security agencies claim a banned organization has instructed its field operatives to execute violent actions, including bombings and armed assaults, to create fear and undermine voter confidence. Intelligence reports also mention plans to spread false information online to destabilize the situation.

In response, authorities have strengthened security at warehouses and transport routes, increased surveillance, and deployed armed escorts. The Election Commission has emphasized that ensuring a safe and uninterrupted voting environment remains its top priority.

Internal pressure within the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has intensified ahead of the 13th parliamentary election as 92 rebel candidates are contesting in 79 constituencies, defying party directives. Around 30 of these candidates are described as strong and locally popular, raising concerns that the rebellion could divide the party’s vote base and challenge its electoral allies. BNP leaders, however, maintain that the situation will not affect the overall election outcome.

Senior BNP figures such as Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Ruhul Kabir Rizvi have acknowledged internal conflicts, with some rebels being expelled and local committees dissolved. Despite repeated warnings from the central leadership, many local activists continue to support the independent contenders, causing divisions within local party units. The rebels include former MPs and long-time local leaders with established voter networks.

The rebellion has also placed BNP’s alliance partners under pressure in several constituencies, including Dhaka-12, Patuakhali-3, and Brahmanbaria-2, where rebel BNP candidates are competing against coalition nominees. This internal rift poses a significant challenge for BNP’s electoral strategy and unity.

Mahmudur Rahman Manna, president of Nagorik Oikya and candidate for both Bogura-2 and Dhaka-18 constituencies, has withdrawn from the Dhaka-18 parliamentary race. He announced his decision on Sunday night through a Facebook post, stating that he is currently in Bogura.

In his post, Manna explained that he had initially decided to contest from both constituencies due to special circumstances. However, he found it financially unfeasible to manage an election campaign in Dhaka-18, which he described as a vast constituency encompassing seven and a half police stations and about 650,000 voters. He said the scale of the area made election management extremely expensive.

Manna expressed regret that his decision might disappoint some supporters and apologized to all concerned. He will continue his campaign in Bogura-2, while stepping back from Dhaka-18 due to practical and financial considerations.

The Election Commission (EC) has issued special vehicle guidelines for candidates and their election agents on the polling day of the 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum. The directive, sent to returning officers on Sunday, aims to maintain an orderly and peaceful environment during voting. Each candidate and their agent will be allowed one small vehicle such as a jeep, car, microbus, or CNG-run autorickshaw, carrying no more than five people including the driver and any assigned gunman.

In remote areas where small vehicles cannot operate, candidates and agents may each use up to two motorcycles, with a maximum of two riders per motorcycle. In river-surrounded areas, one boat per candidate or agent is permitted, carrying up to five people including the driver. All vehicles must display an approved sticker issued by the returning officer, and identity cards must be obtained for all passengers except the candidate, agent, and gunman.

No person other than the candidate or election agent will be allowed to enter polling centers under any circumstances, according to the EC directive.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus emphasized that the new generation must draw inspiration from Bangladesh’s Liberation War to understand the nation’s origins and sacrifices. He made the remarks on Sunday evening during a meeting at the state guesthouse Jamuna with members of the National Freedom Fighters Council, the Bangladesh Freedom Fighters Welfare Trust, and the Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad. Yunus said his government’s priority after taking office was to identify genuine freedom fighters and expose impostors, ensuring that the institutions representing them regain integrity.

Adviser to the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs Faruk I Azam stated that previous governments had misused the spirit of the Liberation War, creating inequality and depriving real veterans. Freedom fighters attending the meeting expressed gratitude to Yunus for reforms, the upcoming referendum, and efforts to restore their dignity. They said the July Charter would strengthen accountability and protect sovereignty. Several participants pledged personal support for the referendum’s “yes” campaign.

Yunus added that the government was nearing elections and that constitutional reforms born from the mass uprising were crucial to prevent political stagnation and ensure lasting national progress.

Mojibur Rahman Monju, Chairman of the Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party), will deliver a televised national address on Monday at 5 p.m. The speech will be broadcast simultaneously on Bangladesh Television (BTV) and Bangladesh Betar. The announcement comes in the lead-up to the 13th National Parliamentary Election, with the address expected to outline the party’s stance on the current political situation, democracy, and the restoration of voting rights.

According to party sources, Monju will present specific proposals for state reform and highlight the AB Party’s commitments to improving the lives of middle-class and ordinary citizens. The address is described as a key moment for the party to clarify its vision for good governance and national development.

AB Party policymakers believe the speech will add a new dimension to Bangladesh’s electoral politics and serve as a milestone roadmap toward building a prosperous nation. The party has urged the public to tune in to the live broadcast on BTV and Bangladesh Betar at the scheduled time.

The Election Commission (EC) has sent letters to all district commissioners (DCs) requesting seat-wise numerical data on executive magistrates assigned for the upcoming 13th parliamentary election and referendum. The letter, signed by EC Senior Assistant Secretary Md. Shahidul Islam, was issued on Sunday, February 8, 2026. It stated that the Ministry of Public Administration had been asked to appoint executive magistrates for the election and referendum scheduled for February 12, and that the appointed magistrates must be reported by 11 a.m. on February 9.

Earlier, on February 3, the Ministry of Public Administration issued a notification appointing 1,051 executive magistrates to perform duties during the parliamentary election and referendum. The EC’s latest directive aims to compile detailed seat-based deployment information ahead of the national polls.

The move reflects the commission’s preparation process to ensure administrative readiness and coordination between the EC and district administrations before the election day.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman stated that the future of Bangladesh’s politics will center on nation-building, emphasizing that only his party has the experience to govern the country. He made the remarks on Sunday night at an election rally at Dhaka Polytechnic Institute field in support of the BNP-backed Revolutionary Workers Party’s candidate Saiful Haque for the Dhaka-12 constituency.

Earlier in the day, at a campaign event in Mirpur-10, Tarique Rahman said the BNP’s promises are realistic and achievable. He described the upcoming February 12 national election as not just a voting day but an opportunity for national reconstruction and transformation of people’s lives. He urged voters to support the BNP-backed candidate under the spade symbol.

Highlighting BNP’s election manifesto, Rahman said it outlines plans for women’s welfare, student development, employment for millions of unemployed citizens, and accessible healthcare services. He reiterated that the BNP’s approach is focused on practical commitments aimed at rebuilding the nation.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) General Secretary SM Farhad has called on voters to cast their ballots for the scale symbol and vote 'Yes' in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. He made the appeal on Sunday afternoon at a post-procession rally in Eidgaon, Cox’s Bazar, organized by the 11-party alliance led by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. Farhad said the movement that cost the lives of over 1,400 people and injured nearly 50,000 would lose its meaning if the upcoming referendum failed. He urged citizens to overcome fear and support the alliance and the 'Yes' vote.

The event was presided over by Maulana Salim Ullah Jihadi, the local Jamaat-e-Islami leader, and featured Jamaat’s central assistant secretary general Maulana Muhammad Shahjahan as the chief guest. Shahjahan stated that a wave of change was sweeping across the country under the leadership of the 11-party alliance, which he described as the force supporting national independence and sovereignty.

The rally saw participation from local and national alliance leaders, including the Cox’s Bazar-3 candidate Shahidul Alam Bahadur. Crowds from various unions joined the procession that culminated in a large gathering at Eidgaon Bus Station.

Ashraful, a 32-year-old participant in the July movement, passed away on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at 8:03 a.m. while undergoing treatment at the National Institute of Neurosciences Hospital in Dhaka. He had been fighting for his life for one and a half years after being shot in the head during the August 5, 2024, student and public uprising in Mirpur-10. His funeral prayer was held at 2:30 p.m. at the Central Shaheed Minar, attended by political leaders, fellow activists, students, and the public. His body was later taken to his family home in Kishoreganj for burial.

According to family and hospital sources, Ashraful received initial treatment in Bangladesh before being sent to Thailand for advanced care, where he remained under observation for 14 months. He was brought back to Bangladesh on February 4, 2026, and admitted to the ICU, where he later died. BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman, through party representatives, conveyed condolences and pledged continued support to Ashraful’s family. Party leaders reaffirmed their commitment to assist injured activists and ensure proper medical care for others wounded in the July movement.

Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary Rafiqul Islam Khan said that if his party comes to power, women will have greater opportunities in public service and banking. Speaking on Sunday afternoon at a campaign rally in Alampur Chourasta of Kazipur upazila, Sirajganj, he stated that women would be able to take the BCS exam, become police officers, secretaries, and bank managers. He added that banks managed by women would serve only female customers, eliminating the need for women to stand in mixed queues to withdraw money.

During the same rally organized by Kazipur Upazila Jamaat-e-Islami, Rafiqul Islam Khan questioned who is more qualified to be prime minister, comparing Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman and BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman. He claimed that the Awami League’s 16-year record was surpassed by the BNP’s performance in one year without being in power, accusing the BNP of corruption and extortion. The event was presided over by Kazipur Upazila Jamaat Ameer Zahidul Islam, with several district leaders also addressing the gathering.