This snapshot report examines emerging digital narratives and behaviors in the lead-up to Bangladesh’s general elections, focusing on the period from 1 to 15 January 2026. Building on the two preceding analyses covering the period August to December 2025, it captures shifts in political discourse and civic integrity as the electoral timeline enters a more sensitive phase. Drawing on data from three social media platforms – Facebook, TikTok, and X – the analysis tracks the evolution of harmful digital narratives and behaviors, including mis- and disinformation, hate speech, and incitement to violence, alongside constructive narratives related to de-escalation, democratic norms, and social cohesion. Four key insights emerged from this period:
- Hate speech emerged as the most prevalent form of digital harm – The November-December period was dominated by reaction to political shocks and contested events. In contrast, the first half of January shows a re-ordering of digital harms with hate speech as the most prominent category.
- Scrutiny around the electoral process became a key narrative focus – This marks a transition from debating how the political transition happened to questioning whether the electoral process can be trusted.
- Harmful narratives have consolidated around election legitimacy and foreign interference – This indicated a move away from reactive narrative spikes toward more entrenched, identity-based polarization.
- Hate speech targeting the Hindu community has become prominent –An escalating and distinct narrative of hate speech, specifically aimed at Hindus, has emerged as the campaign commences and election day nears.