Bangladesh’s election campaign took a dramatic turn as leaders from rival parties, allegations of electoral manipulation and sharp political rhetoric dominated developments across the country. In Madaripur, at least 20 Awami League (AL) leaders and activists- many of whom have remained in hiding since their party’s activities were banned- openly campaigned for BNP candidate Nadira Akhtar. The AL leaders claimed they were acting on instructions from former chief whip Noor-e-Alam Chowdhury Liton, triggering fresh debate in local political circles.
Meanwhile, concerns over electoral integrity surfaced in Lakshmipur after police filed a case over the manufacture of fake ballot seals. A Jamaat-e-Islami ward-level leader and a printing shop owner were accused of producing six illegal voting seals. Police said the printer admitted to making the seals on Jamaat leader Sourav Hossain Sharif’s instructions.
BNP Joint Secretary General Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee alleged a wider conspiracy to manipulate the election, warning of possible attempts to print counterfeit ballots. Jamaat later expelled the accused leader.
Political tensions were further fuelled by Islami Andolan Bangladesh ameer Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, also known as the Pir of Charmonai, who accused Jamaat-e-Islami leaders of portraying his party as extremists during meetings with the US Embassy. He said such actions tarnish Bangladesh’s image and rejected claims of militancy in the country.
Addressing a massive rally in Barishal, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman lashed out at rivals, accusing them of misogynistic politics and election fraud. Without naming any party, he warned against “new tyrants” attempting to replace past autocracy and vowed that the era of “midnight elections” was over. He urged voters to protect democracy by casting their ballots on February 12.
Amid the heated atmosphere, Jamaat-e-Islami unveiled its election manifesto, promising women’s participation in the cabinet, youth leadership, constitutional reforms and stronger democratic practices. The party pledged to amend Article 70 to allow MPs greater freedom, prioritise human rights, curb corruption and ensure justice for extrajudicial killings. As campaigning intensifies, these developments highlight a highly charged and unpredictable political landscape ahead of the national election.
