PABNA, a geographically and economically significant district in west-central Bangladesh, has seen a sharp shift in political dynamics following the fall of the Awami League (AL) government amid widespread student-led and public protests.
Seizing the moment, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami have intensified their organizational efforts, launching public outreach campaigns for the upcoming national election.
BNP leaders and workers have become increasingly visible across the district, organizing rallies, distributing leaflets, and holding village-level meetings. The party is promoting its 31-point reform plan announced by Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, which aims at winning back public trust and reshaping national governance.
Jamaat-e-Islami is also active, coordinating programmes in all nine upazilas of the district. Islamic Andolan has likewise begun its election preparation through grassroots meetings and public interactions.
Since early August, many AL leaders in Pabna have reportedly gone into hiding. Some have left the country while others have been arrested. This has left AL's grassroots largely inactive with little presence in public political space.
This silence from the long-ruling party has opened the door for BNP and Jamaat to reassert themselves, particularly in areas where discontent over recent political and economic instability has been high.
BNP's national and district-level leaders are playing a prominent role in energising the party base. Advocate Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, special assistant to BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, has been regularly attending district events as the chief guest. Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed also recently addressed a programme in Chatmohar.
Pabna District BNP Convener and Khaleda Zia's adviser, Habibur Rahman Habib, is leading mobilisation efforts in various upazilas. "BNP is a strong ideological party with a solid organizational foundation. There may be multiple aspirants for a seat, but everyone must work for the party's chosen nominee." Habib said.
Jamaat-e-Islami has already announced its candidates for all five parliamentary constituencies in Pabna and is conducting extensive campaign activities. The party held large Eid reunion programmes across the district, with senior central leaders participating to boost morale and support.
Jamaat's resurgence began with a massive rally on September 28 last year at Pabna Government Edward College ground, where the party's Central Ameer Shafiqur Rahman addressed supporters. That event is seen as a turning point, restoring confidence among activists after years of political suppression.
Principal Iqbal Hossain, Jamaat's nominated candidate for Pabna-5 and Naib-e-Ameer of the district unit, claimed: "This is the most prepared we've been in any election since independence. We have a clean record, unlike other parties. The public, international observers, and even diplomatic circles want a change, and Jamaat is ready to deliver."
According to him, Jamaat has finalised candidates for all 300 seats nationwide. In Pabna, they claim to have strong grassroots support and are campaigning on a promise to reform the state and fight corruption.
PABNA-1: The constituency encompasses Santhia Upazila, Bera Municipality, and four union parishads of Bera Upazila.
In this constituency, BNP has several hopefuls, including former state minister Major (Retd) Manjur Quader, Santhia BNP's Salauddin Khan, PPM, Jubo Dal's leader ( Central Committee) Masudul Haque Masud, and Tanti Dal leader Haji Yunus.
Jamaat's declared candidate is Barrister Nazibur Rahman Momen, son of former minister and Jamaat Ameer Matiur Rahman Nizami.
PABNA-2: The constituency includes Sujanagar Upazila and the five southernmost union parishads of Bera Upazila.
In this constituency, former MP AKM Selim Reza Habib is a top BNP hopeful, along with Abdul Halim Sajjad.
Jamaat's declared candidate is Sujanagar Upazila Ameer Professor KM Hesab Uddin.
PABNA-3: The constituency incorporates Bhangura, Chatmohar, and Faridpur upazilas.
In this constituency, the names of potential BNP candidates are: Former MP KM Anwarul Islam, Member of the BNP Central Executive Committee, President of the Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal Central Committee Agriculturist Hasan Zafir Tuhin, Pabna District BNP Member Secretary Advocate Maksudur Rahman Masud Khandaker, and Jatiyatabadi Sanskritik Dal Central Committee Adviser Alhaj Hasadul Islam Raja.
Meanwhile, Faridpur Upazila Ameer Maulana Ali Azgar is conducting mass communication as the declared candidate of Jamaat.
PABNA-4: The constituency encompasses Atgharia and Ishwardi upazilas.
BNP adviser Habibur Rahman Habib and Zakaria Pintu are key contenders here.
Jamaat's declared candidate is Abu Taleb Mandal, the district Ameer and Central Shura member.
PABNA-5: The constituency encompasses Pabna Sadar Upazila.
Shimul Biswas is viewed as BNP's frontrunner for this seat. However, local leader Anisul Haque Babu is also vying for nomination.
Jamaat's declared candidate is Nayeb-e-Ameer Principal Iqbal Hossain, who is actively engaged in grassroots communication.
The political equation in Pabna has changed rapidly. With AL absent from the field, BNP and Jamaat are taking centre stage.
Their candidates are focusing on reconnecting with voters, offering promises of reform, transparency, and public welfare.
BNP believes its 31-point programme can resonate with voters disillusioned by years of corruption and disenfranchisement.
Jamaat, on the other hand, is capitalising on its clean image and organizational discipline.
Both parties are now working hard to win public support across all five constituencies.
