Bangladesh has officially entered election mode as major political parties begin announcing their candidates for the upcoming 13th Jatiya Sangsad (National Parliament) elections, scheduled for February 2026. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has taken a decisive early lead by releasing a preliminary list of 237 candidates, signaling its intent to dominate the electoral narrative and return to power after years in opposition.
The announcement was made by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at a press conference held at the party chairperson’s office in Gulshan, Dhaka. The list includes several high-profile names, including former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, who is set to contest from three constituencies: Bogura-7, Feni-1, and Dinajpur-3. Her son and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will contest from Bogura-6, while Fakhrul himself will run from Thakurgaon-1.
🧠 Key Highlights of BNP’s Candidate Declaration
| Candidate Name | Constituency | Position in Party |
|---|---|---|
| Begum Khaleda Zia | Bogura-7, Feni-1, Dinajpur-3 | Chairperson, Former Prime Minister |
| Tarique Rahman | Bogura-6 | Acting Chairman |
| Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir | Thakurgaon-1 | Secretary General |
| Ruhul Kabir Rizvi | Dhaka-10 | Senior Joint Secretary General |
| Selima Rahman | Barisal-2 | Standing Committee Member |
The BNP has reserved 63 seats for alliance partners, indicating a broader coalition strategy.
📊 Party-Wise Candidate Declaration Status (as of November 5, 2025)
| Political Party | Candidates Announced | Total Seats Targeted | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) | 237 | 300 | Leading in early declaration |
| Jamaat-e-Islami | 300 (completed) | 300 | First to finalize full list |
| Awami League (AL) | Yet to announce | 300 | Expected to release list by mid-November |
| Jatiya Party (JP) | 120 (in progress) | 200+ | Focused on regional strongholds |
BNP’s early declaration is seen as a strategic move to energize its base and pressure rivals.
📈 Timeline of Electoral Developments
| Date | Event Description |
|---|---|
| October 2025 | Election Commission confirms February 2026 poll date |
| November 3, 2025 | BNP announces 237 candidates |
| November 4, 2025 | Jamaat-e-Islami completes full candidate list |
| Mid-November 2025 | Awami League expected to declare candidates |
| December 2025 | Final nomination submissions and scrutiny |
The political landscape is heating up as parties prepare for a high-stakes electoral battle.
🗣️ Reactions from Political Stakeholders
| Stakeholder | Commentary Summary |
|---|---|
| BNP Leadership | “We are ready to restore democracy and accountability.” |
| Awami League Spokesperson | “BNP’s list is premature and lacks grassroots input.” |
| Election Commission | “All parties must adhere to nomination deadlines.” |
| Political Analysts | “BNP’s early move is a signal of renewed confidence.” |
The candidate announcements have triggered intense political discourse across the country.
📌 Strategic Constituencies to Watch
| Constituency | Key Candidates | Political Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Bogura-6 | Tarique Rahman (BNP) | Symbolic seat for BNP leadership |
| Feni-1 | Khaleda Zia (BNP) | Traditional stronghold |
| Gopalganj-3 | Sheikh Hasina (AL, expected) | Awami League bastion |
| Dhaka-10 | Ruhul Kabir Rizvi (BNP) | Urban voter sentiment indicator |
| Rangpur-3 | Jatiya Party stronghold | Swing seat with coalition implications |
These constituencies are expected to be closely contested and heavily scrutinized.
📌 Conclusion
With the BNP taking the lead in candidate declarations for the 2026 general elections, Bangladesh’s political arena is witnessing a surge in activity and anticipation. The inclusion of veteran leaders like Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman underscores the party’s aggressive push to reclaim political ground. As other parties prepare to unveil their own candidates, the coming weeks will shape the contours of one of the most consequential elections in Bangladesh’s democratic history.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available political announcements, media reports, and electoral data. It is intended for informational and editorial purposes only and does not constitute political endorsement or campaign advice.
