With election symbols allocated and final candidates confirmed, 13th national parliamentary election campaign formally begins Thursday , marking the start of full-scale political activity ahead of the February 12 polls.
The Election Commission (EC) allotted election symbols to candidates on Wednesday, clearing the way for official campaigning across the country.
From Thursday , candidates and political parties are permitted to seek votes openly under the election code of conduct.
The parliamentary election -- along with a referendum -- will be held on February 12, with nearly 2,000 candidates now in the race for 300 seats, according to the EC.
Following symbol allocation, political activity intensified around the EC building in Agargaon, with several parties bringing out small processions.
Across the country, parties and independent candidates have completed preparations for posters, banners, leaflets and rallies, despite strict new restrictions on campaign materials.
EC data shows that 3,417 aspirants initially collected nomination forms, of whom 2,580 submitted nomination papers.
After scrutiny, appeals and withdrawals, 1,972 candidates remain in contention.
A total of 645 appeals were filed challenging returning officers’ decisions.
Following nine days of hearings beginning January 10, the EC restored the candidacies of 436 individuals.
Later, 305 candidates withdrew.
The number of contenders may rise further after revised schedules were announced for Pabna-1 and Pabna-2 constituencies, where electoral activities had been suspended following High Court directives.
Under the revised timeline, symbol allocation in those constituencies will take place on January 27.
While campaigning officially begins Thursday , candidates must comply with a stringent election code of conduct.
For the first time, the use of posters has been completely banned.
The EC has warned of strict enforcement, including fines, imprisonment and even cancellation of candidacy for violations.
Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin earlier expressed concern that posters had already appeared across Dhaka despite the ban, vowing tough action.
Returning officers have also cautioned candidates that they will be held responsible for violations committed by their supporters.
Under amended rules, violations may result in up to six months’ imprisonment, fines of up to Tk150,000, or both.
Political parties may face fines of up to Tk100,000.
Candidates may campaign door to door from 12:01am and continue until 7:30am on February 10.
Public meetings and rallies require prior notification to authorities at least 24 hours in advance and must not obstruct public movement. Campaigning on roads and highways is prohibited.
While posters are banned, candidates may use up to 20 billboards per constituency within specified size limits.
All banners, leaflets and festoons must be black and white and made from environmentally friendly materials.
Social media campaigning is allowed, but candidates must submit identification details of accounts and pages to returning officers before starting online outreach.
Bangladesh has 127.7 million voters — including 64.8 million men, 62.9 million women and 1,234 third-gender voters.
The EC has finalized 42,761 polling centres nationwide, with voting scheduled from 7:30am to 4:30pm on February 12.
With campaigning now officially underway, political parties are expected to hit the ground running, turning the coming weeks into a decisive test of organization, discipline and voter appeal.
