Nine political parties sit out 13th national election

Nine of Bangladesh’s 60 registered political parties will not participate in the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election, according to election commission sources.

The nine parties sitting out include Trinamul BNP, BNM, Bangladesh Samyabadi Dal, Krishak-Sramik Janata League, Bikalpodhara Bangladesh, NAP, Workers Party, and Bangladesh Tariqat Federation.

Of the participating parties, 29 are fielding candidates in only 1 to 20 constituencies, with only five contesting over 100 seats. The ruling Awami League and 14 allies are barred from the vote.

Experts say weak grassroots structures and limited candidate participation among smaller parties have prevented the emergence of strong alternative political forces, raising concerns over voter confidence and meaningful competition.

In the last three parliamentary elections under the Awami League government, disputes arose over fairness. The BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami boycotted the 2014 and 2024 polls, while the 2018 election saw allegations of irregularities despite participation. With the Awami League’s activities now suspended, the party and 14 allies, except Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JASAD), are not contesting.

The BNP has fielded candidates in 331 constituencies, Jamaat-e-Islami in 276, Islami Andolon Bangladesh in 268, and the Jatiya Party in 224. Although the Gono Odhikar Parishad has nominated candidates in over 100 seats, seat-sharing arrangements with BNP and Jamaat may affect final counts.

Election expert Jesmin Tuli said, “At least 10 percent of constituencies should have candidates from registered political parties, but that is not happening. Real alternatives outside the major parties have yet to emerge.” She added that many registered parties fail to maintain consistent organizational activity.

Analyst Badiul Alam Mazumdar noted that some parties align with incumbents for personal or political gain, while others treat politics as a game rather than a serious pursuit. Experts warn that mandatory party symbols without genuine voter engagement may erode public trust in the electoral process.