Bangladeshs Latest Election Battlegrounds Shift to Social Media Platforms

Bangladesh to Vote on February 12 Amid Ongoing Online Campaigns

Campaigning for the upcoming election in Bangladesh is set to begin on January 22, with parties focusing on social media platforms popular among tens of millions of voters. The country’s online landscape has been dominated by a pro-Jamaat-e-Islami party song that went viral on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok in early November.

The song’s lyrics reference symbols associated with the ruling Awami League and other parties, suggesting that Bangladeshis are seeking to reject them. The Jamaat’s symbol is scales, while the boat represents the Awami League, the sheaf of paddy represents the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, and the plough represents the Jatiya Party.

The pro-Jamaat song has sparked a digital campaign by other parties, including the BNP and the National Citizen Party. The BNP has released its own campaign song, while the National Citizen Party has also gone viral with its music.

In addition to music, social media platforms have been flooded with short videos, emotional voter interviews, policy explainers, and satire. The online war is expected to be a key part of the election, with parties investing heavily in digital narratives.

According to recent data, Bangladesh has approximately 130 million internet users, accounting for roughly 74 percent of its population. Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok are among the most popular platforms, with around 64 million, 50 million, 9.15 million, and 56 million users aged 18 and above, respectively.

The election is expected to be a direct contest between the BNP and a Jamaat-led alliance. The country’s interim government has also scheduled a referendum on the July National Charter, which will be decided by voters on February 12.

Source: Al Jazeera