Jamalpur: People in Jamalpur today welcomed the announcement of the schedule for the 13th Parliamentary Election, expressing satisfaction over the major step forward by the interim government. Residents were seen discussing the upcoming polls at restaurants, shops, markets, and tea stalls across the district, with many expressing hope for a fair election on February 12 aimed at forming a stable government to strengthen democracy.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, school teacher Md Kamal Hossain said he hoped the election would serve as an instrument for the economic uplift of ordinary people. Local journalist Md Mustafizur Rahaman Kazal noted that the announcement had raised expectations among citizens, expressing hope that the election would restore people's rights and ensure freedom of expression. Human rights worker Zahangir Selim emphasized that the people had been waiting a long time for a credible election, adding that the polls would help uphold the rule of law.
The district administration has already directed political candidates to remove posters, banners, arches, gates, billboards, and other campaign materials within two days. Meanwhile, with the polls drawing nearer, prospective candidates from political parties and independent aspirants have intensified visits to their respective constituencies. BNP leaders and activists held various programs with central-level leaders to strengthen their organizational activities.
District BNP Secretary Advocate Shah Md Wares Ali Mamun stated that the party had begun removing all publicity materials across the seven upazilas following the announcement. He mentioned that BNP leaders and workers were jubilant, adding that the previous "fascist government had destroyed the election system." He also said the party had already finalized candidates in all five constituencies.
Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB) have also declared their candidates and launched field-level programs. District Jamaat Ameer Maulana Abdus Sattar noted that their candidates were working to remove all campaign materials and mentioned preparations were underway to celebrate Victory Day on December 16. District IAB President Mufti Mostafa Kamal shared that they had taken all necessary steps as per the instructions of the Returning Officer, with their leaders and workers having been active long before the schedule was announced.