General elections are going to be held in Bangladesh on 12 February. The political atmosphere in the entire country is heated regarding Bangladesh General Election 2026. During the ground report of ABP News, an attempt was made to understand the election stir, public opinion and political equations in Dhaka.

Black and white posters are an old trend in Bangladesh politics. This time too almost all the major parties are seeking votes through black and white posters. From the main roads to the streets of Dhaka, walls and pillars are covered with posters. According to local journalist Zahid Rehman, the contest is very tough. He says that the main fight is being considered between Jamaat-e-Islami and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Supporters of both the parties are busy campaigning with full enthusiasm. Election rallies, street meetings and door-to-door contact campaigns have intensified.

Elections are no less than a festival for the public.

Ground reports from Magabazar area of ​​Dhaka clearly showed that common citizens are taking the elections as a celebration. During a conversation at a tea shop, many people said that elections bring an Eid-like atmosphere for them. Local citizens say that they want the next government to maintain strong and positive relations with India. Many people described India as a brotherly country and said that friendship and trade relations between the two countries should be strengthened.

Questions were also raised regarding Awami League

Some citizens also said that they wanted to see Awami League also in the election field. According to him, in democracy all parties should get a chance to contest elections. However, in the current electoral equation, the main contest is believed to be between BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami.

Who will win?

During the ground report, different opinions were seen from different people. Some citizens believe that Jamaat-e-Islami can take the lead, while some people are predicting the possibility of BNP’s victory. Overall, both enthusiasm and uncertainty are visible among the public regarding Bangladesh General Election 2026. Now everyone’s eyes are on February 12, when it will be decided who will take charge of power in Bangladesh and what will be the political direction of the country.

Awami League headquarters locked

This time the election atmosphere in Bangladesh is quite different from before. The headquarters of Awami League in the capital Dhaka is locked. The party office is closed since the overthrow of Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. This time Awami League has not been allowed to participate in the elections. ABP did a ground report from Dhaka University. While talking to the students there, different opinions emerged. Many youth said that they want peace and strong democracy in the country. He says that relations with India should improve further. A large part of Gen Z i.e. the new generation of Bangladesh is still not able to decide whom they will support in the alliance of Jamaat and BNP. Some students said that they would give their decision directly in the ballot box.

Hindu student gave statement regarding elections

Deepti, a Hindu student of Dhaka University, expressed concern. He said that he is scared and confused about the situation after the elections. He says that if Jamaat comes to power, the situation of women and minorities may change. There is still some fear regarding worship, but it is not clear what will happen after the elections. Deepti’s family has been living in Dhaka for a long time.

General elections are going to be held in Bangladesh on 12 February 2026. This time, instead of the traditional politics of two Begums, a direct contest between two Rahmans is in discussion in the election field. On one side is Jamaat-e-Islami President Dr. Shafiqur Rahman and on the other side is BNP (Bangladesh Nationalist Party) leader Tariq Rahman. In the current situation, this match is being considered the most important.

Jamaat-e-Islami, which supported Pakistan during the Bangladesh liberation movement of 1971, remained marginalized for a long time due to controversies and restrictions. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had accused this party of spreading fanaticism and violence. An electoral ban was also imposed on the party. Shafiqur Rahman was arrested in the year 2022 and was released after about 15 months. Now the same Shafiqur Rehman is the face of the party in the 2026 elections. 67 year old Shafiqur Rahman is a doctor by profession. He joined Jamaat-e-Islami in 1984 and became the president of the party in 2020. He has lost many parliamentary elections, although his wife has won the elections.

Ideology and controversy

The ideology of Jamaat-e-Islami is seen to be linked to Islamic extremism. There has also been criticism regarding the party’s thinking on women’s freedom and social issues. In this election, the party has not given ticket to even a single woman candidate, due to which the debate has intensified. However, in its election manifesto the party has talked about better relations with neighboring countries including India. This change is being considered a part of political strategy.

alliance with NCP

In this election, Jamaat-e-Islami has formed an alliance with NCP, a party that emerged from the student movement. A total of 11 parties are part of this alliance. However, due to NCP’s decision to join hands with Jamaat, some leaders also resigned. According to seat distribution, Jamaat-e-Islami is contesting on 224 seats, while NCP is contesting on 30 seats. Other alliance partners are fielding candidates on the remaining seats.

Direct contest between BNP vs Jamaat

BNP led by Tariq Rehman is also presenting a strong claim. Political analysts believe that this time the main contest is between BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami. Supporters of both the parties are engaged in campaigning on a large scale.

Ground report from headquarters

This time there is a different atmosphere in the street of Jamaat-e-Islami’s headquarters. The party which once seemed limited due to restrictions and controversies, now the area is filled with its posters and banners. Activists are openly campaigning and claiming victory. While talking to the local people, mixed opinions emerged. Some people are considering Jamaat as a strong option while some are hoping to see BNP in power.

election photo

This time the political equations have changed in Bangladesh Election 2026. On one hand, Jamaat-e-Islami, surrounded by past controversies, is trying to establish itself in the mainstream, while on the other hand, BNP is trying its best to return to power. Now on February 12, it will be decided who gets public support in this fight of “two Rahmans” in Bangladesh politics.