The campaign for Bangladesh’s 2026 national election officially began Saturday, the Chief Adviser’s Office announced in a message and teaser video urging citizens to “reclaim ownership of their nation.”
The 48-second video featured Captain (retd) Dr. Khan Subayel Bin Rafiq, a former BDR mutiny investigator and survivor of enforced disappearance, who described the February polls as “the most important election in Bangladesh’s history.” The clip ended with the slogan: “Key to the nation is in your hands.”
Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud said the post was not made by the Election Commission but likely marks the interim government’s campaign start. The launch follows debate over the National Consensus Commission’s proposal for a referendum on the July National Charter.
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has ordered the armed forces to ensure security, with 90,000 army, 2,500 navy, and 1,500 air personnel set for deployment nationwide.