BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman will deliver election address to the nation on Bangladesh Television (BTV) on February 9 as part of their election campaign ahead of the election and referendum on the “July Charter.”
The Election Commission has allocated special broadcast slots on state-run television for the speeches of political party leaders in connection with the upcoming national election and the referendum scheduled for February 12.
In a press release, the EC’s Secretary’s office said the BTV Director General has been formally instructed to take necessary measures to arrange the broadcasts.
The release, signed by Assistant Director (Public Relations) Md Ashadul Haque, stated that ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates is essential for a free and fair election.
Following the Election Code of Conduct 2025, the EC is providing broadcast time for party leaders on BTV.
According to the EC, Tarique Rahman will deliver his speech on 9 February, based on the order of applications and demand.
The exact recording time and schedule will be determined by BTV in consultation with the party.
A total of 51 political parties are contesting the 13th parliamentary election, scheduled for 12 February.
Candidates can campaign until 7:30am on 10 February. The EC said the initiative to broadcast election speeches on BTV is aimed at making the election environment more festive and competitive.
The EC’s data shows that the BNP’s “Sheaf of Paddy” symbol has the highest number of candidates at 292, followed by Islami Andolan Bangladesh with 253 and Jamaat-e-Islami with 224.
The Jatiya Party has 192 candidates, and the Gono Odhikar Parishad has 90 candidates.
The practice of airing major party leaders’ speeches on BTV was common before the 2008 and 2013 elections but was discontinued for several years before being revived for this election.
