Chattogram: Electioneering has gathered pace across Chattogram city and district, covering all 16 parliamentary constituencies, following the formal announcement of the schedule for the 13th national parliamentary election and referendum. Since the Election Commission set February 12 for both the general election and the referendum, voters, supporters, and candidates nominated by major political parties have become busy with campaign activities from dawn till midnight.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, people from all age groups, particularly newly enlisted voters who were deprived of exercising their franchise in the last three elections during the 15-year rule of the deposed Awami League, have shown growing enthusiasm to cast their votes for the first time. From tea stalls to social gatherings, offices to business centers, election-centric gossip and serious discussions have become part of everyday life. As polling day approaches, leaders and activists from top to grassroots levels of different political parties in the port city and district have intensified their campaign drives to drum up support for their candidates.
BNP has announced its candidates in 14 out of the 16 constituencies, while its main rival Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami declared candidates for all seats much earlier. At the same time, nominated and aspirant candidates of the National Citizens Party (NCP), Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Islami Andolan Bangladesh, and Islami Front have stepped up door-to-door canvassing. Apart from organizational preparations to ensure disciplined campaigns, candidates are attending social and religious programs, visiting relatives and acquaintances, and exchanging pleasantries while seeking votes.
Ignoring the moderate winter chill, election-related activities have heated up the political arena from urban areas to the grassroots. Tea stalls and informal meeting spots have turned into non-conventional “centers for democracy,” where voters debate candidates’ qualifications, past performance, future development plans, law and order, peace, and stability. The Election Commission, district administration, police, and other government agencies are working intensively to complete election and referendum-related preparations in line with EC directives.
Talking to BSS, several voters said campaign activities would intensify further after the finalization of candidacies and publication of the final list following EC scrutiny. BNP nominee for Chattogram-9 (Kotowali-Bakalia) and former BNP Chattogram south unit convener Abu Sufian expressed confidence in the timely holding of the election, emphasizing the need for strict measures to prevent any attempt to derail the process. Jamaat-e-Islami candidate for Chattogram-3 (Sandwip) Alauddin Sikder highlighted the eagerness of young voters to participate.
Executive Committee Member of NCP north district unit Mohammad Quimuddin noted that people are closely watching whether the upcoming polls will be free, fair, and credible. Member Secretary of AB Party Chattogram city unit Siddiqur Rahman emphasized the importance of building connections with people and earning their trust during the election process. Islami Front nominee for Chattogram-7 (Rangunia) Advocate Iqbal Hasan expressed hope for a peaceful and neutral election.
Residents like Irfanur Rahman are excited to vote for the first time, while others like Nur Azad hope for a peaceful election atmosphere. New voter Imam Hossain is eager to see elected representatives prioritize job creation for the younger generation. Abdur Rahman, a small vendor, urged the government to ensure a peaceful voting environment by recovering illegal arms.