Election campaigns fuel surge in handheld microphone demand
Ahead of the 13th national parliamentary elections scheduled for 12 February, the nature of election campaigns has shifted noticeably. Candidates are now placing greater emphasis on door-to-door outreach rather than large public rallies.
This trend is evident in the campaign of BNP-nominated candidate Ishraq Hossain in Dhaka-6. While greeting voters in the narrow lanes of Old Dhaka, Ishraq uses a small handheld microphone instead of a large sound system to deliver impromptu messages.
As voters respond from rooftops and windows, the candidate relies on the compact microphone to express gratitude and exchange greetings. With more young candidates entering the political arena, the use of modern technology in election campaigns has increased. When crowds gather quickly, portable handheld microphones have become a preferred tool for immediate communication.
The new campaigning trend has led to a surge in demand for handheld microphones in Dhaka’s electronics markets. Sellers are displaying the devices prominently in their shops to attract buyers. Recently, markets in and around Gulistan have seen increased footfall, although vendors were unable to provide exact sales figures.
Mesbah Uddin, owner of Bismillah Electronics at Al Jafar Electronics Market in Bikrampur Tower, said he imports these microphones mainly from China. Speaking to Jago News, he said demand for small microphones has risen sharply due to the elections.
According to him, prices range from Tk 600 to Tk 3,000 depending on quality. Both political party candidates and independent contenders are purchasing these microphones, and some are ordering them online for delivery outside Dhaka. Similar trends have been observed at the National Stadium Market and Gulistan Shopping Complex.
Vendors said small microphones are available at wholesale prices ranging from Tk 600 to Tk 900, medium-sized models from Tk 1,000 to Tk 2,000, and high-quality larger models at around Tk 3,000. Retail prices are slightly higher. Price and quality generally depend on battery life and speaker output, with many models now offering the option to play pre-recorded messages.
Vendors also noted that election regulations have imposed restrictions on the use of large sound systems, making handheld microphones a safer and more effective alternative. As election day approaches, the market for these small electronic devices continues to thrive.
Tofazzal Hossain, a sales representative at Rifat Sound in National Stadium Market, said, “Microphone durability depends on battery life and speaker quality. Candidates generally look for models that are long-lasting and easy to carry.”
Year-Round Demand
Beyond election periods, handheld microphones maintain steady demand throughout the year. Vendors said hawkers and street sellers use these affordable devices for promotion, while small-scale political and social gatherings, school sports events, scout activities, and tourist guides also rely on them. Construction sites and factories use the microphones for instructions and emergency announcements.
During election seasons, this regular demand multiplies several times, further boosting the market.