The interim government has announced that the 13th national election will be held in early February, and the Election Commission plans to release the schedule in early December. BNP, Jamaat and other parties have already published preliminary candidate lists and begun door-to-door campaigning nationwide.
According to the EC, Bangladesh has 127,695,183 voters: 64.8 million men, 62.8 million women, and youth voters close to 30%. Parties are prioritizing women and non-Muslim voters, viewing them as decisive. The Hindu Buddhist Christian Welfare Front estimates 15 million non-Muslim voters, mostly Hindu. Hindu voters range between 70k–170k in 90 seats, 50k–69k in 100 seats, and 25k–49k in 110 seats.
BNP’s Acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman announced five measures for women’s safety. BNP’s Women’s Wing is campaigning with the party’s 31-point program, holding courtyard meetings and door-to-door outreach. On 3 November, BNP announced candidates for 237 seats, including 10 women and 4 non-Muslim candidates. Begum Khaleda Zia will contest Dinajpur-3, Bogura-7, and Feni-1. Other women candidates include: Farzana Sharmin (Natore-1), Sabira Sultana (Jashore-2), Israt Sultana Elen Bhuttu (Jhalokathi-2), Sansila Jebrin (Sherpur-1), Afroza Khan Rita (Manikganj-3), Sanjida Islam Tuli (Dhaka-14), Shama Wabed Islam (Faridpur-2), Tahsina Rushdir (Sylhet-2), and Nayab Yusuf Ahmed (Faridpur-3).
Jamaat-e-Islami is also intensifying outreach to women and minority voters through home visits and courtyard meetings. The party is considering nominating Krishna Nandi in Khulna-1, though no final decision has been made. Jamaat leaders say they are visiting voters of all religions and emphasizing justice, rights, and good governance. The party says about 40% of its workers are women, and its Women’s Division is active nationwide.
During Durga Puja, BNP and Jamaat both formed volunteer and monitoring teams to support smooth celebrations across local areas. Parties say they are committed to ensuring the safety of all religious communities ahead of the election
