The election campaign formally began across Bangladesh on Thursday, marking the start of the first national parliamentary polls since the August 5, 2024 political changeover—an election widely seen as a defining test of the country’s political reset. The party has been barred from the election after the Election Commission suspended its registration in May. According to the Election Commission, a total of 1,981 candidates will contest the 13th national parliamentary election in 298 constituencies across the country, alongside a referendum also scheduled for February 12. BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman began his election campaign in Sylhet, while the Jamaat ameer launched his electoral rally in Mirpur in the capital. The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus, has pledged to facilitate a free, fair, and inclusive election.

Source: Dhaka Tribune January 22, 2026 18:08 UTC