Features|ElectionsBangladesh’s latest election battlegrounds: TikTok, Facebook, YouTubeOn-the-ground campaigning kicks off on Thursday, but parties have been locked in online battles for month, relying on social media platforms popular with tens of millions of Bangladeshi voters.
## Politics and Digital Campaigning in Bangladesh
Politics and Digital Campaigning in Bangladesh
Political Landscape and Digital Strategy
Dhaka, Bangladesh – Recent developments in Bangladesh's political scene highlight the increasing use of digital platforms for campaigning. The upcoming elections in Bangladesh have seen a significant shift towards digital campaigning, with parties utilizing social media to engage with voters.
The election symbols of the political parties in Bangladesh have garnered attention, with Jamaat-e-Islami's scales symbol gaining prominence through a viral song. This song critiques the symbols of other major parties, such as the Awami League's boat, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party's (BNP) sheaf of paddy, and the Jatiya Party's plough. These symbols represent parties that have previously governed Bangladesh.
Upcoming Elections and Digital Engagement
On February 12, Bangladesh will conduct elections that are primarily contested between the BNP and a Jamaat-led alliance. Campaigning on the ground will commence on Thursday, January 22. However, digital platforms have already become a battleground as parties vie for the attention of Gen Z voters, who played a crucial role in the political changes of 2024.
According to data from the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission and DataReportal, approximately 74% of Bangladesh's population of 176 million are internet users as of November 2025. The country has around 64 million Facebook users and substantial presence on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. This widespread digital reach explains the heavy investment by political parties in online narratives.
Dhaka, Bangladesh – Recent developments in Bangladesh's political scene highlight the increasing use of digital platforms for campaigning.
Bangladeshi authorities have banned the Awami League from political activities, turning the elections into a contest primarily between a BNP-led alliance and a Jamaat-led alliance. The BNP, which has a history of governing, is emphasizing policy proposals and voter engagement through digital means. Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami is focusing on promoting its narratives online.
Both major alliances have launched websites to facilitate voter interaction. The BNP has introduced platforms like MatchMyPolicy.com for policy engagement, while Jamaat-e-Islami hosts janatarishtehar.org to gather voter opinions for its manifesto. These digital tools aim to increase voter participation and influence public opinion.
The upcoming election includes a referendum on the July National Charter, a reform package spearheaded by the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. The government is conducting a digital campaign to promote a 'Yes' vote, reflecting the shift from traditional media to online platforms.
While digital campaigns are increasingly influential, traditional offline campaigning remains significant. However, the ability of online campaigns to shape public discourse is crucial, especially for a young electorate. The outcome of these digital efforts will likely impact the results of the February elections and the referendum.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.