Social media emerges as key tool for political parties after campaign deadline
Observations of verified Facebook pages of major political parties show continued efforts to engage voters through videos, speeches, music, photo cards, and statements.
Even after the formal close of election campaigning at 7am on 10 February, candidates and supporters from various parties remain active on digital platforms ahead of the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election and referendum.
Online campaigning via the internet or social media would not be considered a violation of the electoral code of conduct, said Election Commissioner Brigadier General (Retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah during a press conference at the Election Commission yesterday (10 February).
Observations of verified Facebook pages of major political parties show continued efforts to engage voters through videos, speeches, music, photo cards, and statements.
The BNP's verified page shared a campaign song at 10:08am, with captions promoting its manifesto and the paddy sheaf symbol, using the hashtag #VoteForBNP. The party's media cell also posted photo cards highlighting campaign pledges.
Similarly, at 9:32am, Jamaat-e-Islami's verified page shared a video promoting a safe Bangladesh for women and girls, using hashtags #Chalo_Eksathe_Gari_Bangladesh and #VoteForDaripalla, urging voters to support the Daripalla symbol. Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman's page also continued sharing statements and activities until 2am.
NCP leader Nahid Islam's verified page showed active promotion of allied candidates, while Ganadhikar Parishad president Nurul Haque Noor shared content alleging conspiracies against rival candidates.
At 10:30am, Professor Mahbubur Rahman, coordinator of Islami Andolan Bangladesh's election committee, posted a video message calling for support for Hatpakha candidates and urging voters not to be misled by rumours about withdrawn candidates.
Earlier at 9:22am, Khelafat Majlis Ameer Maulana Mamunul Haque's page displayed sponsored content urging voters to support candidates under the Rickshaw symbol.
The activity highlights the continued reliance on social media as a campaigning tool, even after the official deadline, with parties using digital platforms to reach and influence voters nationwide.
