DINAJPUR, located in the Rangpur Division of northern Bangladesh, is the largest among the sixteen districts in the region.
Rich in history and political legacy, the district played a pivotal role in both the Tebhaga Movement and the War of Independence in 1971, falling under Sector 7 during the Liberation War. Once a part of the greater Dinajpur District, its borders were partially ceded to India during the 1947 partition, forming West Dinajpur in West Bengal. Today, Dinajpur holds six parliamentary constituencies, each carrying distinct political weight in national elections.
With the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election approaching, political activity in Dinajpur is intensifying. This election is set to see the emergence of heavyweight candidates of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), alongside several new contenders who are energising grassroots activism.
BNP, despite facing internal divisions, is mobilising strong candidates with both national stature and local connections-aiming to reclaim ground lost in previous elections.
Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami has been proactive across multiple constituencies, finalising candidates early and launching extensive grassroots campaign.
Other Islamic and right-wing parties are also entering the scene. The Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB), Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis, and AB Party have nominated visible candidates. On the other hand, the National Citizen Party (NCP) has reportedly finalised candidates in at least two constituencies, although only one name-Dr. Ahad Ali-has surfaced publicly so far.
DINAJPUR-1: The constituency encompasses Birganj and Kaharole upazilas.
Historically, the constituency has mostly been dominated by Awami League (AL), which has won the seat six times since 1986. BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, Jatiya Party (JaPa), and an independent candidate have each secured the seat once.
However, this year's election is shaping up differently, with multiple potential candidates-both publicly and behind the scenes-expressing interest in contesting polls.
Internal divisions within the BNP have given rise to the possibility of multiple contenders from the party. As a result, discussions are ongoing about nominating an outsider candidate to consolidate votes. The possibility of independent candidates entering the race adds further intrigue.
The voter base has expanded significantly, with 20,611 new voters added-14,439 in Birganj and 6,172 in Kaharole. The total number of registered voters now stands at 419,100, according to the Dinajpur Election Office.
The minority vote is expected to play a key role in this constituency, influencing candidate selection, especially for the BNP.
The BNP's potential candidates for this seat include: Manjurul Islam Manju, President of Birganj Upazila BNP, General Secretary Alhaj Zakir Hossain Dholu, and former upazila chairman of Kaharol Mamunur Rashid Chowdhury.
In addition, due to internal conflicts within the BNP and the significant portion of minority voters in the area, the name of Satyajit Kumar Kundu, a trustee of the Hindu Religious Welfare Trust (Thakurgaon), is also being considered for nomination within the party.
Meanwhile, Jamaat has already declared its candidate-Matiur Rahman, a Shura member and former Islami Chhatra Shibir leader. He has been actively campaigning since his name was announced at a party meeting on February 4.
Though lacking a strong organizational base, the JaPa is also in the race with Mohammad Shahinur Islam as their probable candidate.
As the election nears, the main battle is expected between BNP and Jamaat.
DINAJPUR-2: The constituency includes Biral and Bochaganj upazilas.
The upcoming national election in this constituency might see a tight three-way contest between BNP, Jamaat, and JaPa.
While BNP and Jamaat are actively campaigning, JaPa is relying on the personal popularity of its potential candidate.
Jamaat appears to be in a relatively stronger position. Their declared candidate Principal A N M Afzalul Anam, a Working Committee Member of the District Jamaat, has already begun field-level campaigning. Adding to their advantage is the residence of the District Ameer of Jamaat within the constituency.
In contrast, BNP is facing internal conflict, with several contenders seeking nomination. Among them are Sadek Riaz Chowdhury Pinak, District BNP Vice-President Md. Mozaharul Islam, Joint Secretary Sakeb, Bochaganj Upazila Chairman A N M Bazlur Rashid Kalu, and Professor Md. Manjurul Islam, Joint Secretary of the Central Committee of Bangladesh College Teachers Association (BCTA).
JaPa is yet to launch an open campaign, but its potential candidates include Advocate Zulfikar Ali, Central Organizing Secretary of JaPa and former chairman of Bochaganj, and Md. Shahinur Islam, General Secretary of Birganj Upazila JaPa.
According to the Dinajpur Election Office, the constituency has 3,73,452 voters, with 1,41,968 in Bochaganj and 2,31,484 in Biral. 12,366 new voters have been added while 7,096 voters' names were removed.
Since 1986, the seat has been held seven times by the AL, twice by BNP, and once by JaPa. While leftist, Islamic parties have shown no activity, the real battle is likely to be fought among BNP, Jamaat, and JaPa, with Jamaat currently appearing ahead.
However, it has been learned that although the newly formed party NCP has finalised its candidate, they are not revealing the name for strategic reasons.
DINAJPUR- 3: This constituency incorporates Dinajpur Sadar Upazila.
Despite the AL's electoral dominance, the constituency is still considered a BNP stronghold, largely due to the influence of Begum Khaleda Zia's elder sister Khurshid Jahan Haque, who was elected Member of Parliament (MP) three times and served as a state minister. Known as 'Chocolate Apa', she earned widespread admiration for her development efforts.
With her legacy still strong, speculation is rife that a member of her family may contest the seat. Among the possible BNP candidates is Shahriar Akhtar Haque Don, son of Khurshid Jahan Haque and nephew of Khaleda Zia. Other BNP aspirants include Mofazzal Hossain Dulal, District BNP President and former upazila chairman; Bakhtiar Ahmed Kochi, suspended general secretary of District BNP; Mokarram Hossain, Senior Vice-President of District BNP; former mayor Syed Jahangir Alam; and industrialist Hafizur Rahman.
There are even rumours that Tarique Rahman-BNP's Acting Chairman-may contest from this seat, given his personal connection to the area, which is his mother's birthplace and maternal grandmother's home. If he does, it is believed no other BNP leader will seek nomination.
Jamaat-e-Islami has already declared Advocate Mainul Alam, a District Working Committee member, as its candidate. Alam previously ran for upazila vice-chairman and is respected locally for his polite demeanour.
The JaPa's likely candidate is Ahmed Shafi Rubel, District Unit President, who has said he will only run if the party makes an official decision. Rashed Pradhan, Vice-President and spokesperson of Jatiya Ganotantrik Party (JAGPA), is also expected to seek nomination, following the political legacy of his father Shafiul Alam Pradhan.
According to the Dinajpur Election Office, 14,045 new voters have been added and 6,317 names removed, bringing the total registered voters to 4,22,998.
While Islamic parties and the newly formed NCP are considering candidates, all eyes remain on the BNP's decision, especially if it includes a family member of Khaleda Zia, which could tilt the balance heavily in their favour.
DINAJPUR-4: The constituency encompasses Chirirbandar and Khansama upazilas.
Traditionally a stronghold of the AL, this constituency has also seen victories by the BNP and the Workers Party in the past. However, with uncertainty surrounding AL's participation this year, the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami are preparing for a tight showdown.
Jamaat has officially declared Aftab Uddin Molla, former district Ameer and ex-upazila chairman, as its candidate. Molla, hailing from Chirirbandar, has already launched his campaign with public meetings and mass contact programmes.
On the BNP side, internal competition is creating friction. Two prominent figures-Akhtaruzzaman Mia, former MP from BNP, and Colonel (Retd) Mostafizur Rahman Chowdhury, a senior BNP leader from Khansama-are both actively seeking nomination. Recently, a clash erupted when supporters of one contender reportedly attacked another's event, highlighting growing tensions within the party.
While both Molla and Mia are from Chirirbandar, Colonel Chowdhury's Khansama roots may give him a strategic advantage, especially among voters favouring local representation.
According to the Election Commission, the constituency has 4,27,610 registered voters, with 2,73,826 in Chirirbandar and 1,53,744 in Khansama. This year, 14,164 new voters have been added-8,135 in Fulbari and 3,997 in Khansama. However, 2,463 names have been removed from Khansama and 6,422 from Chirirbandar.
So far, no visible activity has been seen from other political parties. The JaPa, leftist groups, and other Islamic parties have also remained inactive. NCP is rumoured to have finalised a candidate but is withholding the name for strategic reasons.
Fazlur Rahman, a voter from Chirirbandar, said, "The contest between Akhtaruzzaman Mia and Aftab Uddin Molla will be exciting, but Colonel Chowdhury could be a surprise factor due to his local support base in Khansama."
With grassroots-level campaigning underway, Dinajpur-4 is set for a close and dynamic contest between BNP, Jamaat, and potential independents.
DINAJPUR -5: The constituency includes Fulbari and Parbatipur upazilas.
Historically dominated by the AL, this parliamentary seat is poised for a competitive election following the death of long-serving MP Advocate Mostafizur Rahman Fizar and uncertainty over AL's participation in the upcoming national polls. With the seat wide open for the first time in decades, both BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami see a rare opportunity to claim the constituency.
If the BNP can overcome its internal rivalry and unite behind a single candidate, they stand a strong chance of winning. Leading the BNP nomination race is AZM Rezwanul Haque, former MP and Convener of Dinajpur District BNP, who has contested from this seat six times. In the 2018 polls, he secured 128,567 votes, coming in second. However, some party leaders feel his repeated defeats may warrant a new face.
Zakaria Bacchu, a dedicated organiser from Parbatipur Upazila BNP, is another strong contender actively working for the party's nomination. Also in the race is Barrister Kamruzzaman, Vice-President of BNP's USA Chapter and personal lawyer to Tarique Rahman. Presently active on the ground, Kamruzzaman is gaining popularity among grassroots workers and voters.
However, internal clashes between supporters of these three aspirants-each with financial strength and separate factions-may weaken BNP's position. A local BNP leader warned that unless unity is achieved, Jamaat-e-Islami may capitalise on the situation.
Md. Anwar Hossain, Jamaat's declared candidate is conducting intensive grassroots campaigning, meeting with both young and elderly voters across Fulbari and Parbatipur. The party is optimistic about its chances, especially if BNP remains divided.
According to the Election Office, 479,139 voters are registered in this constituency-302,092 in Parbatipur and 159,047 in Fulbari. This cycle has seen the inclusion of 14,164 new voters.
Other parties, including JaPa, leftist, and Islamic factions, have shown minimal activity. NCP is believed to have finalised Dr. Ahad Ali as their candidate but hasn't officially announced it for strategic reasons.
With AL's silence, Dinajpur-5 is witnessing a shifting political equation, making the battle between BNP and Jamaat more intense than ever before.
DINAJPUR-6: The constituency encompasses Birampur, Ghoraghat, Hakimpur, and Nawabganj upazilas. It is one of the largest and most politically significant constituencies in North Bengal.
Traditionally dominated by the AL, which has won five times since 1991, the seat has never been secured by the BNP. However, this year, political dynamics are shifting.
BNP is hoping to make a breakthrough by nominating Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain, BNP Standing Committee Member and personal physician to party Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. A trusted name in the area, Dr. Zahid has been conducting regular meetings across the constituency, strengthening BNP's grassroots network. His potential candidacy has generated enthusiasm among supporters, who believe his entry could finally give BNP a strong chance in this constituency. Many within the party agree that without Dr. Zahid, a victory would be difficult to achieve.
In contrast, Jamaat-e-Islami, which previously won this seat twice, is pressing ahead with an energetic campaign led by Anwarul Islam, former Dinajpur District Ameer and current Central Majlis-e-Shura member. Declared as Jamaat's official candidate on February 4, Anwarul is running a robust door-to-door campaign with a strong team of party workers, aiming to recapture the seat.
Other Islamic parties are also in the fray. Dr. Nur Alam Siddique, President of Islami Andolan's Dinajpur South Unit, Mufti Nurul Karim, Vice-President of Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis (District Unit), and Barrister Sani Abdul Haque, Joint Secretary-General of the AB Party, have all declared intentions to contest.
The total voter base in this constituency is 578,689, including 208,684 in Nawabganj, 170,402 in Birampur, 114,267 in Ghoraghat, and 85,336 in Hakimpur. This year, 27,226 new voters have been added to the list.
With the JaPa and NCP showing little organizational presence, and leftist or newly formed parties mostly inactive, the electoral fight is shaping up to be a fierce BNP vs Jamaat showdown in Dinajpur-6.
With increased voter rolls, especially among youths and minorities, and growing anti-incumbency sentiment in some pockets, all six constituencies in Dinajpur are expected to see intense contests.
