Campaigning for Bangladesh’s February 12 national elections has commenced, with leaders from major political parties, such as the NCP and BNP, exchanging sharp words at mass rallies in various districts. During a rally in Dhaka’s Banshtala area, Nahid Islam, the National Citizen Party’s convener, accused a rival party of spreading misinformation and instilling fear among the public. He emphasized the growing support for the 10-party alliance, warning against any attempts to manipulate polling stations.
Nahid highlighted issues in the Dhaka-11 constituency, including traffic congestion, extortion, and land encroachment, promising to address these problems if his party comes to power. Meanwhile, at his first election rally, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman indirectly criticized Jamaat-e-Islami, accusing them of deceiving voters with promises of “tickets to heaven” in exchange for votes. He also condemned Jamaat’s stance on the Bangladesh Liberation War.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, without directly naming Jamaat, denounced the party for spreading false information about BNP leaders. He questioned the credibility of a party that previously opposed Bangladesh’s independence but now claims to work for the country’s development. Political tensions are escalating in Bangladesh as the election approaches, with parties that once collaborated against the Awami League government now at odds.
