Campaigning intensifies across 16 Chattogram seats as polls draw near

With just three days left before voting, election campaigning has reached a peak across Chattogram's 16 parliamentary constituencies, turning city streets and rural markets alike into vibrant hubs of political activity.

Banners, festoons and LED screens now line major roads, while slogans and campaign songs echo through neighbourhoods. Small gatherings at roadside tea stalls and door-to-door canvassing by candidates have created a lively, festive atmosphere across the district, as contenders make their final push to win over voters with promises of development and reform.

Signs of fierce competition are evident in all constituencies, particularly in high-profile seats such as Bandar–Patenga and Kotwali–Baklia, where so-called "heavyweight" candidates have drawn strong public attention. Parties including the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, Greater Sunni Alliance and Jatiya Party are actively campaigning, alongside candidates from other political parties and independents.

Across the board, candidates are focusing on familiar voter concerns – waterlogging, employment generation, and pledges to build communities free from extortion and terrorism. In total, 113 candidates from 25 political parties are contesting the 16 seats.

Adding momentum to the campaigns, family members of candidates are also taking to the streets. Advocate Sharvia Shaolin, daughter of BNP candidate Abu Sufian in Chattogram-9, was seen campaigning yesterday. While greeting Hindu devotees at the historic Chatteshwari Kali Temple, she told The Business Standard that people are highly enthusiastic and eagerly waiting to cast their votes for "Sheaf of Paddy". 

The BNP is relying on its organisational strength and popular backing. Nazimur Rahman, member secretary of the BNP's Chattogram Metropolitan Committee, said the party expects voters to support forces that uphold national independence and sovereignty. Describing Chattogram as a traditional BNP stronghold, he said the party hopes voters will once again place their trust in it.

Other candidates are similarly optimistic. Maulana Muhammad Wahed Murad, the Islamic Front of Bangladesh candidate backed by the Greater Sunni Alliance in Chattogram-9, said his father had served the people and that, as a local leader known for integrity and service – especially during the pandemic – he believes voters in Kotwali and Baklia will support him. Jamaat candidate Muhammad Shamsuzzaman Helali in Chattogram-10 also claimed overwhelming public support and expressed hope for a decisive victory.

Voters, too, are showing keen interest and a strong sense of responsibility. Muntasir Mahmud, a voter from Chattogram-5, told TBS that the country stands at a crucial historical moment and that a free, fair and neutral election is essential to honour the sacrifices of the July martyrs. Many voters echoed this sentiment, saying they are counting the days for a credible election.

According to the Election Commission's final voter list, there are 6,682,517 registered voters across the 16 constituencies – 34,83,876 men and 31,98,571 women. A total of 1,965 polling centres have been set up, with extensive arrangements made to ensure a peaceful voting process.

The election will be monitored by 645 observers from 19 organisations. Most constituencies will have at least 20 observers, while Chattogram-10 (Pahartali–Halishahar) will have as many as 103. Observers will watch for irregularities, undue influence and the protection of voting rights, including those of women and third-gender voters.