Dhaka, Oct 11 (V7N) – With about a month and a half left before the announcement of the national election schedule, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has ramped up its public engagement and service-oriented activities across the country. The party aims to strengthen its grassroots presence and counter Jamaat-e-Islami’s ongoing campaign ahead of the polls.

Women members of the BNP and its affiliated organizations have begun door-to-door visits in small groups, directly engaging with voters and distributing the party’s 31-point leaflet. Meanwhile, male activists are participating in community service efforts and initiatives to address local issues.

Party leaders believe this approach will not only neutralize Jamaat’s one-sided campaign but also help the BNP secure a stronger position on the streets. Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed confirmed that full-scale election activities for the Paddy Sheaf symbol will begin nationwide from the third week of October.

Across several neighborhoods in the capital, members of the Nationalist Women’s Party have been seen actively campaigning, creating an early election atmosphere despite the formal schedule yet to be announced.

According to party sources, the BNP’s initiative is a response to Jamaat’s recent outreach among voters. To counter this, BNP has planned a series of mass communication programs and district-based seminars starting October 14.

In addition to political activities, the party has taken up visible service projects. A notable example is the clean-up of a three-kilometer canal in Uttara Sector 15, which had long been clogged and unusable. Under the direction of Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, local BNP members and supporters restored the canal, cleared illegal encroachments, and built a usable walkway—earning praise from residents.

While such social initiatives are not new for the BNP, party insiders say these efforts are being revitalized to improve public perception after facing an image crisis marked by allegations of extortion, internal conflict, and factionalism following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government.

Salahuddin Ahmed reiterated that the BNP’s election strategy will evolve in response to rival party movements. “Election-oriented activities and public relations will begin on a large scale from this month. We will observe the opponent’s strategy and plan our next steps accordingly,” he said.

The BNP plans to officially announce its candidates for the Paddy Sheaf symbol in the third week of October, followed by the return of Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman to Bangladesh. The party is now working to build widespread public support before the official campaign period begins.

END/SMA/AJ