Electioneering gains momentum in 16 Ctg constituencies as polls near
Since the Election Commission set February 12 for both the general election and the referendum, voters, supporters and candidates nominated by major political parties have become busy with campaign activities from dawn till midnight.
Electioneering has gathered pace across Chattogram city and district, covering all 16 parliamentary constituencies, following the formal announcement of the schedule for the 13th national parliamentary election and referendum.
Since the Election Commission set February 12 for both the general election and the referendum, voters, supporters and candidates nominated by major political parties have become busy with campaign activities from dawn till midnight.
People from all age groups, particularly newly enlisted voters who were deprived of exercising their franchise in the last three elections during the 15-year rule of the deposed Awami League, have shown growing enthusiasm to cast their votes for the first time.
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From tea stalls to social gatherings, offices to business centres, election-centric gossip and serious discussions have become part of everyday life.
Rather, as polling day approaches, leaders and activists from top to grassroots levels of different political parties in the port city and district have intensified their campaign drives to drum up support for their candidates.
BNP has announced its candidates in 14 out of the 16 constituencies, while its main rival Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami declared candidates for all seats much earlier.
At the same time, nominated and aspirant candidates of the National Citizens Party (NCP), Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Islami Andolan Bangladesh and Islami Front have stepped up door-to-door canvassing.
Apart from organisational preparations to ensure disciplined campaigns, candidates are attending social and religious programmes, visiting relatives and acquaintances, and exchanging pleasantries while seeking votes.
Ignoring the moderate winter chill, election-related activities have heated up the political arena from urban areas to the grassroots.
Tea stalls and informal meeting spots have turned into non-conventional "centres for democracy", where voters debate candidates' qualifications, past performance, future development plans, law and order, peace and stability.
The Election Commission, district administration, police and other government agencies are working intensively to complete election and referendum-related preparations in line with EC directives.
Talking to BSS, several voters said campaign activities would intensify further after finalisation of candidacies and publication of the final list following EC scrutiny.
BNP nominee for Chattogram-9 (Kotowali-Bakalia) and former BNP Chattogram south unit convener Abu Sufian said he had no doubt about the timely holding of the election, as a large number of people who were denied voting rights in the past have welcomed the opportunity this time.
He stressed the need for strict and timely measures to prevent any attempt to derail the election, warning that fallen autocratic forces might otherwise try to create chaos.
Jamaat-e-Islami candidate for Chattogram-3 (Sandwip) and party north district ameer Alauddin Sikder said young voters are eagerly waiting to participate, as they and their elders were deprived of voting rights in the last three elections.
Executive Committee Member of NCP north district unit Mohammad Quimuddin said people have welcomed the election schedule but are closely watching whether the upcoming polls will be free, fair and credible.
Member Secretary of AB Party Chattogram city unit Siddiqur Rahman said an election is not merely about voting, but about building connections with people and earning their trust.
"Candidates must understand people's sentiments and aspirations. They want peace, stability, real development and effective action against corruption. They will not believe rhetoric; they want implementation of promises," he said.
Islami Front nominee for Chattogram-7 (Rangunia) Advocate Iqbal Hasan said they expect the election verdict to truly reflect people's will and hoped the polls would be free, neutral and peaceful.
Irfanur Rahman, a resident of the city's Sholashahar area, said he is excited to vote for the first time despite being enlisted as a voter in 2010.
"I skipped voting in 2014 as it was one-sided, and in 2018 I returned home frustrated due to the unfavourable situation at the polling centre. I also lost interest in the 2024 dummy election. But this time I am determined to cast my vote for my preferred candidate to help restore democracy and stability," he said.
Nur Azad, a fabric shop owner at the city's Hawker Market, said he initially thought the government was not interested in holding elections, but the announcement proved him wrong.
"We want the polls to be held peacefully with a festive atmosphere, without trouble or clashes," he added.
New voter Imam Hossain of Dhalghat under Patiya upazila said he is eager to cast his vote for the first time and hopes the elected representatives will prioritise the interests of the younger generation, particularly job creation.
Abdur Rahman, a small vendor at Chawkbazar, urged the government to intensify drives to recover illegal arms from miscreants to ensure a peaceful voting environment, saying improved law and order would encourage voters to go to polling centres without fear.
