As Bangladesh prepares for national elections in February, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has launched an ambitious door-to-door campaign, dubbed ‘Steps of Hope,’ aimed at reconnecting with voters and rebuilding public trust.

Methods will include rallies, processions, leaflet distribution, and intensive door-to-door campaigns, all designed to explain BNP’s positions, counter misinformation, and energise its base ahead of the national polls. Political analysts highlight that BNP’s strategy reflects a shift from confrontational politics to mass mobilisation. Analysts note that the party is seeking to regain credibility and consolidate support by focusing on direct voter engagement rather than street protests.

The BNP's unique initiative comes amid continued demands from Jamaat-e-Islami and its allied parties for a proportional representation (PR) system, which they hope to secure at least once in the upcoming polls. Its programme involves extensive grassroots mobilisation, including direct visits to households, aiming to counter negative propaganda, reduce internal conflicts among local leaders, and establish a visible presence across the country.

Party sources confirmed that over 150 constituencies will see immediate announcements of BNP candidates to ensure election-focused coordination and avoid factional disputes.

A senior policymaker, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the campaign would prioritise engaging women and young voters from diverse backgrounds, groups the party believes were alienated due to missteps and controversial activities by some leaders over the past year.

“BNP leadership has acknowledged mistakes, particularly following poor results in recent student union elections, such as DUCSU and JUCSU. This campaign is intended to address those shortcomings and restore confidence among the public,” he said.

The campaign also seeks to counter online misinformation regarding BNP’s positions on sensitive issues, including the Liberation War, India, and other geopolitical matters. Another standing committee member noted that the party reviewed Jamaat-e-Islami’s planned street protests, designed to press for the July Charter and proportional representation, and concluded that BNP’s strategy should focus on voter engagement rather than confrontation.

“The campaign will involve both male and female activists, ensuring women play a strong role in outreach,” the policymaker added. “We will explain to citizens why the election must take place in February and why BNP’s proposals are aimed at national interest rather than partisan gain.”

In line with its organisational reforms, BNP plans to announce candidates in more than half of all constituencies, with local party leaders already conducting preliminary campaigns. Central leadership has instructed candidates to avoid internal conflicts and adhere strictly to party discipline.

BNP Standing Committee member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain said the party would not counter other parties’ street programmes directly. “Jamaat and other parties have made demands of the interim government; it is the government’s responsibility to respond. BNP’s role is to communicate our vision and policies to the people,” he said.

Salahuddin, another committee member, emphasised the BNP’s commitment to cordial politics. “We consider all democratic parties as companions, not opponents. During elections, we may contest one another, but we aim to conduct politics in a friendly atmosphere, as desired by the people.”