সপ্তম জাতীয় সংসদ নির্বাচন ও ডানপন্থী রাজনীতি: নির্বাচনী প্রচারণার ভাষ্য ও প্রভাব

The Seventh National Parliamentary Election of Bangladesh and Right-Wing Politics: Campaign Rhetoric and Influence

Abstract

The Seventh National Parliamentary Election of Bangladesh, held on 12 June 1996, marked a significant turning point in the country’s political history. Beyond ending a prolonged phase of political stalemate, the election was notable for the strategic use of right-leaning political narratives within electoral campaigns. This paper examines how key political actors framed issues such as independence, sovereignty, nationalism, privatization of state-owned enterprises, market liberalization and religious symbolism as central themes in their campaigns. Drawing on election manifestos, campaign speeches, newspaper reports, and printed materials, this study employs discourse analysis to explore the nature and impact of right-leaning political strategies. The evidence points to these narratives were instrumental in shaping voter perceptions and behavior, influencing both short-term electoral outcomes and longer-term ideological alignments in Bangladeshi politics. By analyzing the language and strategies adopted by political parties, particularly the Bangladesh Awami League, Bangladesh Nationalist Party, Jatiya Parti and Jamat-e-Islami Bangladesh this research contributes to understanding the adaptability of party ideology, the politicization of religion, and the growing influence of economic liberalism in a transitional democracy. The study offers new insights into the interplay between ideology, campaign rhetoric, and electoral success, and provides a valuable framework for future studies on party politics and voter behavior in Bangladesh.