Campaigning for Bangladesh’s 13th Jatiya Sangsad election ended at 7:30 am on Monday, ushering in a mandatory silence period ahead of voting on 12 February, amid heightened security, political realignments and rising violence.
Security has been tightened nationwide, with nearly 9,00,000 law enforcement personnel deployed and the army placed on special alert until 14 February. The Election Commission has imposed an 82.5-hour restriction on voters staying outside their constituencies, citing law and order concerns.
Despite these measures, political violence and attacks on journalists have surged. Rights group Ain O Salish Kendra reported six deaths and nearly 900 injuries in political clashes since late January, alongside a sharp rise in assaults on media workers. Women candidates have also reported coordinated harassment, threats and smear campaigns, raising concerns over inclusivity and democratic participation.
The polls will be contested by 2,034 candidates from 51 parties across 299 constituencies, with over 127 million voters eligible. Voting will be held using ballot papers amid assurances of zero tolerance for violence.
As Bangladesh heads to the polls, the election unfolds under heavy security, deep political polarization and persistent concerns over fairness, safety and democratic space.
