Watch: Tarique Rahman’s daughter campaigns by rickshaw in Dhaka forward of Feb 12 polls

Zaima Rahman, daughter of Bangladesh Nationalist Social gathering (BNP) chief Tarique Rahman, took to the streets of the capital on a rickshaw to marketing campaign for her father within the high-profile Dhaka-17 constituency forward of the February 12 common elections.Movies circulating on-line present the London-trained barrister using by means of busy neighbourhoods with Fatema Khatun, caregiver to former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, as she handed out pamphlets and appealed on to voters.Starting her outreach at Gulshan Police Plaza, Zaima moved by means of streets, retailers, cafes and workplace buildings, distributing leaflets bearing the BNP’s election image, the “Sheaf of Paddy.” She was seen talking with pedestrians, rickshaw pullers, distributors and workplace workers.“My father, Tarique Rahman, is the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ candidate in Dhaka-17. I’m asking in your votes in his favour,” she informed residents throughout the marketing campaign path.

Rahman, 60, is taken into account a front-runner in what might be Bangladesh’s first common election because the ouster of long-time Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024. He faces a key problem in Dhaka-17 from Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Dr SM Khalekuzzaman.The BNP supremo not too long ago rejected a proposal from Jamaat-e-Islami for a unity authorities, asserting confidence in his get together’s prospects. “How can I type a authorities with my political opponents, after which who can be within the opposition?” he stated in an interview, expressing hope that rivals would play the function of a “good opposition” if elected.Rahman returned to Bangladesh in December after almost twenty years in exile, following the deteriorating well being of his mom, Khaleda Zia, who handed away on December 30, 2025. Zia was the nation’s first girl prime minister.

Bangladesh elections 2026

Common elections might be held on February 12, 2026, to elect 300 members to the Jatiya Sangsad (Nationwide Parliament). The vote can even be accompanied by a constitutional referendum on the July Constitution.Greater than 127 million voters are eligible to forged their ballots, making it one of many largest democratic workouts of the 12 months. As many as 1,981 candidates are contesting the polls.The election is being performed below an interim authorities led by Muhammad Yunus, which has been in place since Sheikh Hasina’s elimination following a student-led rebellion in 2024.Hasina, now in exile in India, was later convicted by a Bangladesh tribunal for permitting using deadly power in opposition to protesters throughout the unrest, which left round 1,400 folks — lots of them college students and youngsters — lifeless. She has been sentenced to loss of life in absentia.The Awami League, which gained the earlier 4 elections below Hasina, has been suspended and isn’t taking part within the upcoming vote. This has turned the competition largely right into a bipolar combat between the BNP and the 11-Social gathering Alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami and the Nationwide Citizen Social gathering (NCP).The BNP has nominated 288 candidates and is looking for extra seats by means of allies and independents. The 11-Social gathering Alliance is contesting 298 seats, whereas Islami Andolan Bangladesh has fielded candidates in 253 constituencies. The Nationwide Democratic Entrance (NDF), led by the Jatiya Social gathering (Ershad), is contesting 206 seats. Leftist events below the Democratic United Entrance are in 149 seats, and the Better Sunni Alliance is contesting 64 constituencies.Key marketing campaign points embrace unemployment, corruption, extortion, proportional illustration and outreach to youth and minority voters. Postal voting might be used for the primary time, and the “No Vote” possibility has additionally been reintroduced.With opinion polls indicating an edge for the BNP however a powerful displaying anticipated from Jamaat-e-Islami, the February 12 election is about to reshape Bangladesh’s political panorama.