With just two weeks remaining before polling day, the 13th parliamentary election is shaping up to be another low-key affair, lacking the festive atmosphere traditionally associated with elections. Although the political circumstances differ from previous polls, analysts say the underlying reason remains familiar: the absence of major political parties has left a large section of voters disengaged.
Over the past three parliamentary elections, voter participation and enthusiasm have been repeatedly undermined. The 10th and 12th elections were boycotted by the BNP-Jamaat alliance, resulting in more than 45 percent of voters staying away. The 11th election, while participatory, later became widely known as the “night-time vote”, a label that further weakened public confidence in the electoral process.
This time, Awami League is not contesting. Following the July uprising and allegations of involvement in mass killings, the party’s activities were temporarily banned, and it has formally announced its election boycott. As a result, analysts estimate that nearly 40 percent of voters—traditionally aligned with Awami League—are absent from the electoral contest, further eroding any sense of competition.
Political analysts argue that when a party boycotts an election, some supporters may still vote for personal or local reasons, but the wider electoral mood disappears. Without the presence of all major contenders, voters feel less excitement and see little uncertainty over the outcome, reducing their motivation to participate.
Jasmine Tuli, an election expert, former additional secretary of the Election Commission, and a member of now defunct Election Reform Commission, told TIMES of Bangladesh that elections become festive only when all major political forces take part. She said voters tend to lose interest if they believe the outcome is already decided. According to her, earlier elections were affected by the absence of the BNP-Jamaat alliance, and this time Awami League’s absence is having a similar impact.
Concerns over law and order have added to voter anxiety. Former police chief Ashraful Huda said that although there has been no major deterioration in the security situation, intelligence activities need to be strengthened ahead of polling. He warned that the administration must act more decisively to counter potential attempts by remnants of the previous government to disrupt the election and to create a fear-free environment for voters.
On the ground, the lack of enthusiasm is visible. In Chattogram-4 constituency, particularly around the busy Kumira Ghat area—normally crowded with passengers, ship-breaking workers and traders during election periods—the atmosphere is noticeably subdued. Many voters there say they are worried about their safety and are reluctant to go to polling centres.
A similar picture emerges in northern Gaibandha district, which has five parliamentary constituencies. In Gaibandha-2, covering the Sadar upazila, little sign of election excitement was observed this week. Analysts note a reversal of past patterns: during Awami League rule, BNP and Jamaat supporters showed limited interest in voting, while now Awami League supporters appear equally disengaged.
Despite these concerns, the government and Election Commission insist that this election will be freer and more festive than any previous one. The commission has expressed satisfaction with the law and order situation. However, with Awami League out of the race, the main contenders—BNP and Jamaat alliances—have both voiced dissatisfaction over security arrangements and repeatedly accused the administration of bias, filing complaints with EC.
Voters in Jashore, Satkhira and several other areas said that, regardless of official assurances, law enforcement activities remain inadequate. Following the student-led mass uprising, many BNP and Jamaat activists no longer appear responsive to local administrative authority, raising fresh doubts about whether a truly conducive electoral environment can be ensured.
Analysts say that while an election may proceed according to formal procedures, without broad participation, public confidence and a sense of safety, it is unlikely to feel like a democratic celebration.
