COX'S BAZAR, Jan 23: Electioneering has gained momentum across Cox's Bazar, with candidates rolling out campaign programmes amid a festive mood - and a growing exchange of mudslinging, particularly on social media.
Members of civil society have warned that the escalating rhetoric could heighten the risk of clashes.
Following the allocation of symbols on Thursday, candidates launched their campaigns in earnest. In the 13th parliamentary elections, symbols have been allotted to 18 candidates - representing different political parties as well as independents - contesting the district's four seats.
Cox's Bazar holds particular strategic importance for several reasons. Cross-border tensions, the Rohingya refugee crisis and drug trafficking remain dominant issues. Since 2017, a large Rohingya population has been living in Ukhiya and Teknaf. Meanwhile, intermittent fighting between the Arakan Army and Myanmar's junta in neighbouring Rakhine State continues. Local residents say the prolonged Rohingya crisis has adversely affected livelihoods, the environment and overall security, putting sustained pressure on the district's socio-economic sectors.
In Cox's Bazar-1 (Chakaria-Pekua), BNP Standing Committee member and party nominee Salahuddin Ahmed began his campaign by seeking prayers from voters. He later carried out door-to-door outreach in Lathabania, Maulvibpara and Sikdarpara areas of Konakhali union.
In the same constituency, Jamaat-e-Islami nominee Abdullah Al Faruq formally launched his campaign by visiting graves. On Thursday morning, he first paid respects at the grave of his late father, Nurul Kabir. He later visited the graves of senior cleric Khatibe Azam Maulana Siddiq Ahmed, martyr Khairul Islam and Shaheed Forkan in Chakaria municipality.
In Cox's Bazar-2, Jamaat's Central Committee Assistant Secretary General AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad inaugurated his campaign at the Matarbari Azizia Madrasa ground in Moheshkhali upazila.
BNP candidate Alamgir Muhammad Mahfuz Ullah Farid kicked off his campaign from Shaplapur Union in the same upazila.
In Cox's Bazar-3, BNP nominee Lutfur Rahman Kajal began campaigning from Kutubdia Para, while Jamaat candidate Shahidul Alam Bahadur launched his bid by visiting a family graveyard and later joined a roadside rally at Link Road in the afternoon.
In Cox's Bazar-4, BNP District President Shahjahan Chowdhury started his campaign by addressing a roadside meeting at Sonarpara Bazar.
Jamaat candidate and District Ameer Nur Ahmed Anwari carried out door-to-door campaigning in Balukhali area of Palongkhali Union before attending a rally at Kotbazar in Ukhiya.
A visit to Cox's Bazar town, its outskirts and several remote areas shows a generally festive election atmosphere, with posters, processions and rallies visible across constituencies. Other candidates are also continuing their campaigns using various strategies.
However, alongside the enthusiasm, the intensifying exchange of accusations - especially online - has raised concerns among observers, who are urging restraint to ensure a peaceful electoral environment.
