Abu Jakir :
Amid uncertainty over the timeline of the next national parliamentary elections, political parties across Bangladesh are actively preparing their strategies.
Prospective candidates from the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, Islamic parties, and those aligned with the simultaneous movement are engaging in extensive public outreach.
They are attending social and religious events and making promises to win over voters.
Chief Adviser Prof. Dr Muhammad Yunus has stated that the election date will depend on the extent of reforms demanded by the public, suggesting possible timelines of December 2025 or mid-2026. Despite the ambiguity, political parties are pushing ahead with election preparations while simultaneously advocating for timely polls.
The BNP is maintaining a dual focus: preparing for elections while mobilising public support for early polls. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam
Alamgir has warned of potential unrest, reminiscent of the August 5 uprising, if voting rights are not ensured. “No tricks regarding the election will be tolerated,” he asserted.
In parallel, the BNP has launched nationwide workshops to promote its 31-point agenda. According to sources, young leaders with experience in past movements are being prioritised as candidates, alongside seasoned figures. Several nominees have already received approval from the party’s high command.
The BNP has also outlined plans to form a national government with coalition partners and has proposed establishing a bicameral parliament.
BNP Standing Committee member Abdul Moyeen Khan remarked, “As a major political party, the BNP has a vast pool of leaders and activists, so we face no challenges in preparing for the upcoming elections.
However, the Yunus government has yet to announce a fixed election date. People are eager to vote, and the BNP is ready.”
BNP leader Moazzem Hossain Alal added, “Political parties always prepare for both movements and elections. Formal preparations will begin once the election date is announced. Our current organisational activities are part of this readiness.”
Jamaat-e-Islami, which faced significant restrictions during the Awami League’s 16-year rule, is reorganising following the August 5 movement.
Worker conferences nationwide are spreading the party’s election message. Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has emphasised the importance of honest and dedicated candidates to build a just society.
While Jamaat is exploring alliances with other Islamic parties, a final decision on whether to contest independently or with the BNP is still pending.
Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar stated, “Our worker conferences are part of both reorganisation and election preparation. A final decision on alliances will be made closer to the polls.”
Parties in the BNP-led simultaneous movement are actively campaigning, with the BNP providing assurances of support. However, collective participation in the elections remains undecided.
Saiful Haque, coordinator of Ganatantra Mancha, noted, “Leaders are engaging the public under their individual party banners. Whether we contest collectively with the BNP or independently will be decided closer to the elections.”
Meanwhile, Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh has decided not to contest under its banner. Instead, its leaders will run as candidates from other Islamic parties. Joint Secretary General Maulana Azizul Haque Islamabadi clarified, “We will not contest elections under Hefazat-e-Islam’s banner, but our leaders will participate through various Islamic parties.”
Similarly, Islami Andolon Bangladesh is preparing for both independent and coalition strategies. Principal Maulana Yunus Ahmad stated, “Our leaders have been instructed to engage with voters in their constituencies.”
Syed Ehsanul Huda, coordinator of the 12-party alliance, added, “Candidates in our alliance are campaigning and participating in social activities. We aim to contest as a coalition.”
Gonodhikar Parishad’s General Secretary Mohammad Rashed Khan confirmed that the party intends to field candidates in all 300 constituencies. “Our potential candidates are already campaigning actively,” he said.
Despite the absence of a fixed timeline, political activity in Bangladesh is intensifying. Parties are navigating the dual challenges of election readiness and demands for timely polls, setting the stage for a highly contested electoral season.
