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Bangladesh’s Digital Electoral Battlefield: Social Media Transforms Campaign Landscape
As Bangladesh approaches its 13th National Parliamentary Election on February 12, 2026, political campaigning has undergone a significant transformation, expanding beyond traditional street processions and public rallies into the digital realm. Social media platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube have evolved from informal extensions of political communication into core campaign tools, reflecting broader shifts in voter engagement and media consumption.
The digital landscape in Bangladesh has created fertile ground for this evolution. According to the “state of digital” report for 2026, the country boasts 186 million active mobile connections—approximately 105 percent of the population. Internet usage stands at 47 percent with 82.8 million users, while 64 million Bangladeshis actively engage on social media platforms, primarily Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.
Political parties have recognized this digital opportunity and are investing heavily in online outreach strategies. On Facebook alone, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman commands 5.6 million followers, Bangladesh Jamat-e-Islami Party’s Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has 2.3 million, and National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam maintains 1.2 million followers.
Candidates now routinely utilize videos, live streams, and short posts to communicate directly with voters across constituencies. Their digital arsenals have expanded to include innovative campaign websites, custom-produced campaign songs, interactive games, and other engaging content designed to connect with constituents in more personal ways.
The shift toward digital campaigning is particularly significant given Bangladesh’s demographic makeup. With 39 percent of the population aged 13-34, platforms like Facebook and TikTok have become crucial channels for political messaging. This younger audience, accustomed to consuming information through mobile devices, represents a vital voting bloc that traditional campaign methods might fail to reach effectively.
In response to social media’s growing influence, the Bangladesh Election Commission has implemented regulations to prevent digital misuse during the election period. Candidates must now submit details of their official social media accounts in advance, and content violating the electoral code of conduct is prohibited. The guidelines explicitly ban spreading unverified information, disinformation, personal attacks, and the use of artificial intelligence to distort facts or manipulate media to mislead voters.
Despite these safeguards, misinformation and digitally manipulated content have proliferated. The Daily Star identified nearly 97 pieces of AI-generated content circulating on Facebook ahead of the election, including deepfakes and other manipulated videos designed to shift political narratives. AFP fact-checking has confirmed the widespread use of AI-generated content supporting various political parties.
Fact-checking organization Rumor Scanner reported 268 instances of misinformation spreading across online platforms in a single month, with most misleading posts appearing on Facebook and many related to political topics. These patterns highlight how social media, while democratizing access to information, can simultaneously serve as a conduit for deceptive political messaging.
Political actors have begun publicly addressing social media misuse. BNP spokesperson Mahdi Amin has accused rival groups of orchestrating widespread misinformation and character-assassination campaigns. Reports have also revealed how bot-driven waves of fake “haha” reactions target Facebook posts by activists and politicians across party lines, distorting public perception and exploiting algorithms to suppress content reach.
In response to these challenges, social media platforms are taking proactive measures. TikTok Bangladesh has partnered with the Election Commission to launch an “Election Information Center,” providing users with official election updates to counteract misinformation.
Bangladesh’s experience reflects a global pattern where social media has evolved from a simple communication tool into a sophisticated political battleground. As Bangladeshi parties compete for Gen-Z attention through viral content while simultaneously combating misinformation, traditional media outlets are seeing diminished influence.
For international observers, Bangladesh’s digital election landscape offers valuable insights into the changing nature of political participation and the challenges democracies face when technological advancement outpaces regulatory oversight. The country’s experience demonstrates how digital platforms can both enhance and complicate democratic processes, providing a case study with implications for electoral systems worldwide.
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12 Comments
The shift towards digital campaigning in Bangladesh’s elections reflects broader technology trends, but I hope political parties don’t lose sight of the importance of direct engagement with voters. A balanced approach leveraging both online and offline strategies seems prudent.
With so much at stake in these elections, it’s good to see Bangladeshi voters becoming more digitally savvy and engaged. But I agree, maintaining a healthy skepticism and fact-checking claims is crucial to making informed decisions at the ballot box.
Given the large social media user base in Bangladesh, it makes sense that political parties are focusing more on digital outreach. But I hope they don’t neglect face-to-face interactions and grassroots engagement, which are also crucial for building trust with constituents.
With so much information (and misinformation) circulating online, it will be critical for Bangladeshi voters to stay discerning and fact-check claims made by candidates and parties across social media platforms. Digital literacy will be key.
The growing prominence of social media in Bangladeshi politics highlights both opportunities and risks. While digital tools can enhance voter engagement, it’s crucial that political parties use these platforms responsibly and avoid tactics that could undermine the integrity of the electoral process.
As Bangladeshi voters become more digitally savvy, they’ll need to exercise discernment and critical thinking when consuming political content online. Fact-checking claims and seeking out reliable information sources will be essential for making informed decisions at the ballot box.
The growing prominence of social media in Bangladeshi politics is a reflection of broader digital shifts happening across the country. With high mobile and internet penetration, it’s smart for candidates to leverage these platforms to reach and mobilize voters.
I wonder how effective these digital campaign tactics will be in driving voter turnout and swaying public opinion compared to more traditional on-the-ground efforts. It will be interesting to see the balance between online and offline campaigning.
It’s fascinating to see how digital tools and social media are transforming the political landscape in Bangladesh. While the online realm offers new avenues for outreach and mobilization, I hope candidates don’t neglect the human touch of in-person campaigning.
With over 60 million Bangladeshis active on social media, these digital platforms will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping public discourse and voter sentiment leading up to the elections. Maintaining transparency and combating misinformation will be key challenges.
Interesting to see how digital campaigning has become a key part of the political landscape in Bangladesh. Social media platforms seem to be playing a major role in shaping voter engagement and information sharing during these elections.
With over 60 million Bangladeshis active on social media, it makes sense for political parties to invest heavily in online outreach strategies. Curious to see how this digital transformation impacts voter behavior and the overall electoral process.