Authors Bio
Hafij Ahmed is an Associate Professor in the Discipline of History and Civilization at Khulna University, Bangladesh. He is currently pursuing his PhD in the Department of Islamic History and Culture at University of Rajshahi. His research focuses on political history of Bangladesh and Architectural Heritage of Bengal.
Abstract
This article is focusing that religion is playing an important and sensitive role in electoral politics in Bangladesh. This study analyzes the use of religion, its nature and impact in the electoral campaigns of the Awami League during the fifth (1991) and seventh (1996) national parliamentary elections. Utilizing a qualitative research approach, that examines campaign speeches, posters, slogans, newspaper reports, and relevant secondary sources. The findings indicate that although the Awami League has historically upheld a secular ideology, it strategically employed religious rhetoric and symbols in specific political contexts. This usage had a notable impact on voter behavior, the construction of political identity, and the dynamics of electoral competition. The study also contributes an analytical understanding of the interplay between religion and politics in electoral landscape of Bangladesh.
Keywords
Religion in Electoral Politics, Fifth and Seventh Parliamentary Elections, Awami League, Political impact.
Article
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