Bangladesh’s Political Parties by Social Media Followers: Who Leads the Online Race?

With the much-anticipated 13th National Election approaching on February 12, the influence of social media in shaping politics has never been more evident.

Over the past few years, platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X have become critical tools for political communication, echoing their role in movements from Egypt’s Tahrir Square to mass uprisings in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Even ahead of the polls, party leaders and activists are actively campaigning online, voicing positions on key issues and reaching voters beyond traditional channels.

Besides, there is a restriction that no political party, rival candidate or any person on their behalf can conduct election campaigning before symbol allocation. As a result, parties have become more active on social media. In this case, they have chosen Facebook as the main platform. Instead of direct campaigning, parties are reaching people with their messages through music and short films. Let us take a look at the follower numbers of the country's frontline political parties on popular social media platforms and where they are more or less active.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)

Currently known as the country's main political force, BNP's official Facebook page has 4.73 million followers. The party's X account has 91,500, Instagram 123,000 and TikTok 549,000 followers. Besides, the party's YouTube channel has 2.82 million subscribers.

An ad is currently running on BNP's Facebook page to increase followers. It has been boosted with a video of late former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia seeking votes for the paddy sheaf symbol.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami

The country's largest Islamic political party Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami's official Facebook page was opened on June 20, 2014. The page has 3 million followers. Jamaat's X account has 150,700, Instagram 44,600 and TikTok 3,299 followers. Besides, the party's YouTube channel has 667,000 subscribers.

National Citizen Party (NCP)

Formed on the initiative of student leaders after the 2024 mass uprising, this new party has quickly risen to frontline political discussion. NCP's official Facebook page was opened on February 27, 2025. The page has 1.4 million followers. NCP's X account has 11,600 and Instagram 2,941 followers. However, no TikTok account was found from the link given on their Facebook page. Their YouTube channel has 1,999 subscribers.

Islami Andolon Bangladesh

Through notable public support and votes in recent elections and political activities, Islami Andolon Bangladesh has secured a place among frontline parties. The party's official Facebook page has 1.6 million followers. Islami Andolon's X account has 586 and Instagram 3,174. Though no TikTok account is linked on Facebook, an account with 20,300 followers was found on TikTok. Besides, the party's YouTube channel has 99,600 subscribers.

Gonoadhikar Parishad

Gonoadhikar Parishad's political influence is limited but its role in social movements and raising civic awareness is important. The party's official Facebook page was opened on October 26, 2021. Currently the page has 99,800 followers. A YouTube channel link in Nurul Haque Nur's name is given on their page but the channel was not found. Besides, they have no official X account. An account with 1,304 followers is visible on TikTok but it could not be confirmed whether it is Gonoadhikar's official account.

The number of social media users in the country is more than 60 million, which is 34.3 percent of the total population. Among them, Facebook users are 60 million, TikTok users 46 million and LinkedIn and Instagram users 9.9 million and 7.5 million respectively.

A large portion of these users are youth. Political parties and independent candidates are formulating election strategies targeting them. At the same time, various challenges are emerging around social media. Because it is largely an unregulated medium. Spread of fake photocards, misleading news, rumours and disinformation can be observed here.