Dhaka, Jan 21 (NationPress) The general election in Bangladesh on February 12 will act as a referendum on the political landscape following Sheikh Hasina's tenure. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) appears to hold a lead over Jamaat-e-Islami, while Hindu voters express feelings of intimidation from both factions, according to a recent report.

“Bangladeshis are set to cast their votes in the 13th general election on February 12. This election is critical; it marks the first since the student-led protests led to the ousting of the Sheikh Hasina government in August 2024. Despite the Awami League (AL) not participating, its supporters are expected to significantly influence the outcome,” states an article in The Diplomat.

Religious minorities, accounting for 8-10% of the population in the predominantly Muslim nation, have previously supported the Awami League, as highlighted in the opinion piece.

Currently, the BNP is resorting to fear-mongering, cautioning minorities of potential violence should Jamaat gain power, while the latter threatens violence against AL supporters if they do not back the Islamists, the article notes.

Interestingly, both parties are attempting to revamp their images to attract AL supporters.

Once allies, Jamaat leaders held ministerial roles in the BNP-led government from 2001-2006. Their shared opposition to Hasina kept them united for years. “With the AL currently absent from the political scene, the bond that once united the BNP and Jamaat has dissipated,” the article asserts. “Over the past year, differences on issues like constitutional reforms and election timing have come to the forefront.”

According to opinion polls, the BNP is projected to lead, with forecasts suggesting outcomes ranging from a decisive victory to a closely contested race.

“Following the AL's fall, BNP supporters exhibited unruly behavior, leading to a decline in the party's public image,” the article observes.

Additionally, the return of Khaleda Zia's son, BNP Acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman, from the UK has reinvigorated party supporters, and Khaleda’s death has sparked a wave of sympathy, as noted.

With the AL absent, analysts are keenly observing how its supporters will respond—whether they will abstain, split their votes, or rally behind the BNP to thwart other parties from gaining traction.

Despite seemingly favorable polling data, the BNP confronts uncertainties concerning voter turnout, the influence of regional and Islamist parties, and the possibility of last-minute alliances or defections.