God and the Ballot Box: How Electoral Candidates Use Religion in Election Campaign in Bangladesh.

This article analyzes the strategic use of religion by politicians and political parties in election campaigns within postmilitary Bangladesh, focusing on how religious symbols, rhetoric, and alliances are employed to mobilize Muslim-majority voters and gain political legitimacy. Drawing on rational choice theory, legitimacy crisis, and identity politics frameworks, the study finds that major parties like the Bangladesh Awami League (BAL) and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) incorporate Islamic elements—such as religious attire, prayers, visits to shrines, and partnerships with Islamic parties—to appeal to voters and present themselves as protectors of Islam. The article highlights that this politicization of religion contributes to increased political polarization, marginalization of religious minorities, social tensions, and challenges to Bangladesh's secular constitutional principles and democratic processes. It underscores the complex implications of religion's role in electoral politics for nation-building, social cohesion, and governance in Bangladesh.