Election fervor in Bangladesh reached fever pitch before abruptly halting Tuesday, with campaigning ceasing 48 hours before February 12 voting as mandated by the 2025 Code of Conduct for Parties and Candidates. The Dhaka Tribune underscores this ritual, initiated post-symbol handout on January 22, culminating in leaders’ last-ditch voter entreaties.
Pre-poll surveys spotlight a bruising tussle between BNP’s coalition and Jamaat-e-Islami’s. Institutions delivered starkly different visions, prompting scrutiny of their rigor and sway on public mood.
Leading the pack, Eminence Associates for Social Development’s comprehensive probe—PSU-based interviews with 41,500 in every constituency—foresees BNP securing 208 seats, Jamaat 46. Unveiled by CEO Shamiul Haider Talukder in Dhaka, it signals opposition strength.
The International Institute of Law and Diplomacy begs to differ, forecasting a cliffhanger with Jamaat at 105 and BNP at 101 seats. Dhaka University alumni outfit Nationalist Research Cell goes bolder, allotting BNP 220 seats on 77% popular support.
Observers flag methodological gaps fueling distrust, arguing polls energize bases but falter at foresight. In Bangladesh’s divided landscape, these numbers amplify drama ahead of a vote that could pivot national policy and alliances. The ballot box awaits to crown the victor.