Dhaka candidates already on the move

Although the official window for election campaigning begins on January 22, aspirants for the upcoming 13th national election are already active on the ground, engaging in various forms of “mass contact” to woo voters.

According to the election schedule, polling will take place on February 12. Formal campaigning -- including the use of posters and digital projections -- is prohibited until electoral symbols are allocated on January 21.

However, candidates across Dhaka constituencies have already started moving to increase their exposure, using social gatherings, religious venues, and digital platforms.

Candidates are frequently visiting local markets, attending social events, and offering prayers at local mosques to meet and greet residents. 

Small courtyard meetings (uthan boithak) and charity activities have also become common outreach methods.

In Dhaka-10, BNP candidate Sheikh Rabiul Alam was seen interacting with residents of Hazaribagh on January 10, discussing issues such as the ongoing gas crisis. He also attended a commemorative programme for late BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia at a school in Dhanmondi on January 14.

In Dhaka-11, BNP’s MA Quayum has been involved in charitable activities, distributing blankets among underprivileged people in Moddho Badda.

Candidates are frequently visiting local markets, attending social events, and offering prayers at local mosques. Courtyard meetings and charity activities have also become common outreach methods.

His supporters have also been carrying out organisational activities to maintain a presence in the area.

“Since formal campaigning has not started, we are organising party programmes without violating the code of conduct,” Abdul Kader Babu, convener of Badda Thana BNP, told The Daily Star. 

He added that the candidate is maintaining personal contact with locals through social events.

Jamaat-e-Islami candidates are also maintaining a busy schedule through religious, organisational, and social outreach. 

Saiful Alam Khan Milon, contesting from Dhaka-12, addressed a student-youth rally in Moghbazar on January 17. 

Meanwhile, Jamaat candidate for Dhaka-10, Advocate Jasim Uddin Sarkar, has been focusing on mosque-based outreach in Dhanmondi, Kalabagan, and Green Road areas.

National Citizen Party (NCP) candidate for Dhaka-8, Nasiruddin Patwary, has adopted a “dawn-to-dusk” approach, starting his day with Fajr prayers at different mosques in Shajahanpur, Arambagh, and Malibagh to meet local residents.

“I am currently focusing on introducing myself to voters and discussing issues like anti-corruption and resisting foreign (Indian) hegemony,” Nasiruddin told The Daily Star. 

He said he is also campaigning for the “Yes” vote in the referendum, which will be held alongside the election.

For some candidates, this period is more focused on planning than physical campaigning. 

Meghna Alam, Gono Odhikar Parishad candidate for Dhaka-8, said she is concentrating on field strategies. “I grew up in this area, so I do not feel the need for any introduction. I will begin effective campaigning from January 22,” she said.

Independent candidate Tasnim Jara, who recently resigned from the NCP, has been visiting different areas of Dhaka-9 to exchange greetings with voters. 

Similarly, Taslima Akhter of Ganosamhati Andolon is engaging with voters in Dhaka-12 to collect input for the party’s manifesto.

Abdus Sattar Sumon, assistant publicity secretary of Dhaka South Jamaat-e-Islami, said, “Even though official campaigning has yet to begin, candidates in Dhaka are having a busy time. They are conducting door-to-door visits and participating in various social programmes as part of their preparation for the polls.”

Meanwhile, the Election Commission remains strict regarding the code of conduct. Several candidates have already been served show-cause notices for alleged violations.

On Sunday, the EC issued show-cause notices to NCP Convener Nahid Islam (Dhaka-11) and Nasiruddin Patwary. 

In response, the NCP claimed that they did not promote their electoral symbol -- “Shapla Koli” (water lily bud) -- but were campaigning only for the “Yes” vote in the referendum, which they argue does not violate election rules.

Regarding the issue, Omar Faruq, coordinator of Nahid Islam’s election management committee, told The Daily Star, “That was a campaign for ‘Yes’ in the referendum.” 

He said since Nahid is contesting as part of a 10-party alliance, coordination with other parties is currently underway. 

“We are holding coordination meetings with Jamaat leaders at the ward and thana levels. A joint committee will be formed soon, and it will decide the roadmap for the campaign,” he said.

According to the EC, formal campaigning will run from January 22 until 7:30am on February 10. Candidates are prohibited from using wall posters and must follow specific guidelines for leaflets and banners, which may only include photos of the candidate and their party chief.