Jamaat seeks EC approval to air Shafiqur Rahman’s speech on BTV on 9 Feb

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami submitted a formal application yesterday (3 February) to the chief election commissioner, seeking permission to broadcast party chief Shafiqur Rahman's speech on Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar.

In a press release issued today (4 February), the party noted that Shafiqur will address the nation on 9 February at 9pm as part of the election campaign ahead of the 12 February national election and referendum.

It expressed hope that the Election Commission would take the necessary steps to approve and facilitate the broadcast at the scheduled time.

Yesterday, the Election Commission issued instructions regarding the allocation of broadcast slots for electioneering by chiefs of political parties on Bangladesh Television.

According to Sub-rule (c) of Rule 6 (Public Meetings, Road Meetings and Rally Events) of the National Assembly Election Conduct Rules, 2025, campaign slots are to be allocated in the order in which written applications are received.

BTV will determine the duration of each slot for party chiefs and, in consultation with the relevant political parties, fix the date and time for recording the campaign speeches.

So far, the commission has approved BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman's address for 9 February, as no other parties had submitted applications earlier.

A total of 51 parties are contesting the 12 February polls, with campaigning open until 7:30am on 10 February.