BNP alone fields over 14.5% out of total 1,981 candidates

BNP alone has nominated more than 14.5% of the total 1,981 candidates for the 298 constituencies in the forthcoming 13th national election slated for 12 February, leaving behind the participating 50 other parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami.  

According to the Election Commission (EC) data, a total of 1,981 candidates from 51 political parties and independent platforms are contesting the election, marking one of the most competitive elections in the country's history.

The BNP has fielded 288 candidates while Islami Andolan Bangladesh has ranked second with 253, Jamaat-e-Islami has nominated 224 candidates. Independents account for a significant share, with 249 candidates.

A total of 1,732 candidates are contesting under party banners, amounting for 87.43% of the total candidates, while the remaining 249 are independents, according to the EC.  

1,981 candidates vie for 298 seats as Dhaka emerges most competitive

Currently, candidates are competing in 298 constituencies, as contenders for Pabna-1 and Pabna-2 are expected to be added after 27 January. The two seats have lagged behind others due to some legal complications.  

Some parties participating on a limited scale 

Bangladesh NAP, Democratic Party, Jatiya Ganatantrik Party (Jagpa), and Bangladesh Samo Odhikar Party have fielded only one candidate each. Bangladesh Development Party, Bangladesh Kalyan Party and Islami Oikya Jote have nominated two candidates each.

Smaller parties with modest representation include Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh with four candidates, Bangladesh Jatiya Party (jackfruit) and Bangladesh Nezame Islam Party with three candidates each. 

Registered parties missing the polls

Following the July Uprising, the activities of Awami League have been banned, and its registration has also been suspended by the interim government.

Moreover, eight registered parties — including its former allies Jasad and the Workers Party of Bangladesh — have also stayed out of the race.

Other non-participating parties include the Krishak Sramik Janata League, Bangladesh National Awami Party, Bikalpadhara Bangladesh, Bangladesh Tariqat Federation, Trinamool BNP and Bangladesh Nationalist Movement (BNM).

Campaigning for the election formally began today (22 January), a day after electoral symbols were allocated among candidates. As per electoral rules, campaigning will be allowed until 48 hours before polling begins.

Voter statistics show that more than 12.71 crore voters are registered to vote across 300 parliamentary constituencies. Of them, more than 6.48 crore are male voters, 6.18 crore female voters, and 1,120 voters identify as third-gender.

The EC has also started publishing constituency-wise voter centre lists, detailing the names and locations of polling centres, gender-disaggregated voter data. 

Besides, for the first time, the number of voters registered for postal ballots has been made public.

An analysis of constituency-wise data shows that Jhalakathi-1 has positioned at the bottom with only 228,431 voters, while Gazipur-2 has ranked top with 804,333 registered voters.