With tomorrow’s historic 13th National Parliamentary Election and constitutional referendum just hours away, Bangladesh’s political scene has taken on a distinctly festive mood, even as one of its biggest parties campaigns mainly online.
The Bangladesh Awami League, barred from formally contesting the vote, has been urging supporters to boycott the election with the slogan “No Boat, No Vote” in a campaign that has been mostly confined to Facebook and other social media platforms. The party’s traditional election symbol — the boat — will not appear on ballots, and its online messaging reflects its opposition to the interim government and election framework.
Photo: Jubair Bin Iqbal
Despite the boycott appeal, voters across the country appear eager to participate, with many returning home from urban centres and treating the election day as a kind of festive event, blending civic duty with celebrations.
Traffic at bus and train stations has surged as citizens prepare to vote, and local markets and neighbourhoods are abuzz with conversations about candidates and issues ahead of polling day.
The interim government and election authorities maintain that the polls will be conducted peacefully and credibly, and have urged voters to make their voices heard despite political disagreements.
