• The election campaign in Bangladesh culminates on February 12, with major parties rallying supporters in Dhaka.
• The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is seen as a frontrunner, led by Tarique Rahman.
• Jamaat-e-Islami partners with the National Citizen Party to challenge the BNP in the election.
• The upcoming vote represents a direct contest for 350 parliamentary seats.
• Both parties emphasize change and justice during their rallies, citing the 2024 uprising's legacy.

The election campaign in Bangladesh has reached its final day, with rival parties rallying tens of thousands of supporters in Dhaka ahead of the highly anticipated February 12 vote. The atmosphere is charged as parties invoke the legacy of the 2024 uprising that resulted in the overthrow of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's autocratic regime. This election will decide the makeup of a 350-seat parliament and is widely regarded as a pivotal moment for the country's political landscape, which is replete with calls for change, according to Channel News Asia and South China Morning Post.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rahman, who returned from exile recently, is positioned as a frontrunner in the elections. Rahman confidently addressed his supporters, stating, "The BNP alone has a plan to run the country and the experience to do so." His party aims to contest 292 of the 300 available seats, with promises that include financial aid for poor families and anti-corruption reforms. The BNP won strong support as it pitches itself as the viable alternative to the ruling forces, according to Reuters.

In stark opposition stands Jamaat-e-Islami, an Islamist party that has historically been at odds with Bangladesh's independence narrative. Jamaat is energized by the political shifts after Hasina's fall, aiming for a significant role in governance. Its leader, Shafiqur Rahman, has accused the former ruling party of widespread repression and has promised to reduce crime and restore justice. This party anticipates a stronger electoral performance in the wake of the recent political upheaval, competing for 224 seats alongside allies like the National Citizen Party (NCP), according to Channel News Asia, Reuters, and South China Morning Post.

The campaign's messaging underscores the prevalent desire for justice and systemic change, with supporters chanting rallying cries from the revolution. Both Rahman and other leaders from Jamaat emphasize their commitment to reform the political landscape as they gear up for a contentious election. As the voting day nears, the atmosphere remains charged with the promise of change, leaving many voters hopeful for a peaceful and fair election process, according to Reuters, South China Morning Post, and Channel News Asia.