RANGPUR, a region once was considered a stronghold of the Jatiya Party (JaPa), is going through a dramatic change. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the recently re-registered Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami are aggressively aiming to seize control of all six constituencies in Rangpur in the upcoming 13th Jatiya Sangsad election.
Meanwhile, National Citizen Party (NCP), the youth-led political outfit that played a key role in the July Uprising, is also gearing up for a competitive run, aiming to establish itself as a 'kingmaker' while the JaPa has long maintained dominance in Rangpur but now in challenge.
Analysts suggest Jatiya Party is now weakening due to internal conflicts, indecisiveness among the central leadership, and weakened grassroots organization. BNP and Jamaat have sensed an opportunity and intensified their field activities. BNP has launched local-level rallies and outreach campaigns while Jamaat has activated its base under the guise of several social organizations and has already made headlines with a divisional rally.
NCP is trying to appeal to a new demographic-young voters and first-time candidates-with the promise of alternative politics. Though still relatively invisible at the national level, analysts believe NCP could soon become a significant "factor" in Rangpur. The party's leaders claim to offer a genuine alternative beyond traditional party lines.
Historical context and Jatiya Party's decline in 1986, former President Hussain Muhammad Ershad was elected to parliament from Rangpur-3. Even at the time of his death on June 29, 2019, Ershad remained MP from the same seat. At one point, all six constituencies of Rangpur were under the JaPa's control. However, joining the Awami League (AL) led Grand Alliance steadily diminished JaPa's influence in the region. After Ershad's death and the July Uprising, internal disputes and lack of direction have further marginalised the party. Despite receiving instructions from the central leadership just a week ago to begin campaigning, JaPa's grassroots organizational efforts are sluggish.
According to JaPa Presidium Member S.M. Yasir, "We've been directed to begin from the union level and gradually build up to city-level organization. The ground reality has changed since the last election. We expect a fierce contest this time."
BNP's Rangpur District Member Secretary Anisur Rahman Laku told The Daily Observer, "BNP is the party of the people. Jamaat's vote bank is limited, and their controversial role in the 1971 Liberation War is not forgotten. As for NCP, it lacks nationwide structure. JaPa has become a nominal entity after the July Uprising. BNP will secure a majority in Rangpur. Our leaders are tirelessly involved in social and political activities."
In contrast, a source within Jamaat claimed the party has entered the election race aiming for "more gains than expectations." Rangpur District Jamaat Ameer Professor Golam Rabbani said, "We are the most oppressed political party in the country. We've suffered the most under AL's autocratic regime. We have no history of corruption. People stand by the oppressed, and they will vote for us this time. If elected, we will ensure fair distribution of development funds."
According to the Senior District Election Officer's Office, there are 2,594,713 registered voters in Rangpur's six constituencies- 1,293,824 males, 1,300,860 females, and 21 third-gender voters.
RANGPUR-1: The constituency encompasses Gangachhara Upazila and Wards 1 through 8 of Rangpur City Corporation.
BNP nomination hopefuls include Gangachara Upazila BNP President Chand Sarkar, former upazila chairman Mokarram Hossain Sujon, Vice-President of Central Publicity Committee Ruhul Amin, and young entrepreneur K.M. Ridwanul Bari Zion, former upazila vice-president Ohedujjaman Mabu.
Jamaat's declared candidate is Professor Raihan Siraji, Assistant Secretary of Rangpur Metropolitan Jamaat.
IAB has nominated Rangpur District Ameer ATM Golam Mostofa, while Hanif Khan Shajib, Member of Central Committee of Gono Odhikar Parishad (GOP) is seeking nomination.
Barrister Manjum Ali is also seeking nomination as an independent candidate.
RANGPUR-2: The constituency includes Badarganj and Taraganj upazilas.
Leading BNP nominee is Advocate Golam Rosul Bakul, Central Joint Secretary of the BNP Lawyers' Forum. Other contenders include former MP Mohammad Ali Sarkar, President of Badarganj Municipality BNP Professor Azizul Haque, Organizing Secretary of the District Mahila Dal and President of Badarganj Upazila Mahila Dal Shaheda Hasan, and Member Secretary of Rangpur Metropolitan BNP Mahfuz-Un Nabi Don.
Jamaat's declared candidate is Central Executive Member and former acting secretary general ATM Azharul Islam. Recently released from prison, he has declared: "Not a single Haram penny will go into my pocket. Every fund will be spent for the people."
RANGPUR-3: The constituency incorporates Rangpur Sadar Upazila and Wards 9 through 33 of Rangpur City Corporation.
BNP nominees include District BNP Member Secretary Anisur Rahman Laku; Metropolitan BNP Senior Joint Convener Shahidul Islam Mizu; City Convener Shamsuzzaman Shamu; District BNP Member Kaosar Jaman Babla; and District Jubo Dal President Nazmul Alam Nazu. Rita Rahman, daughter of former minister Mashiur Rahman - popularly known as Jadu Mia - is also seeking nomination from the BNP.
Jamaat's declared candidate is Central Council Member Mahbubur Rahman Belal. NCP is yet to finalise a candidate. Both Jamaat and BNP are active with community events and campaigns.
IAB has finalised Amirul Islam Pial, District Unit President, as its candidate, while Khelafat Majlish has finalised Maulana Ibrahim Khalil, Metropolitan Unit President, for the upcoming election.
RANGPUR-4: The constituency encompasses Kaunia and Pirgachha upazilas.
BNP hopefuls include Kaunia BNP Convenor Emdadul Hauque Bhorosha and District BNP Joint Convenor Afser Ali. Emdad Uddin is almost confirmed as a candidate and actively conducting outreach. NCP's candidate might be Central Member Secretary and youth leader Akhter Hossain.
Jamaat's declared candidate is Rangpur Metropolitan Ameer ATM Azam Khan, while IAB has declared Zahid Hasan. IAB analysts expect a triangular contest among BNP, Jamaat, and NCP in this constituency.
RANGPUR-5: The constituency includes Mithapukur Upazila.
BNP nomination frontrunner is Upazila BNP Secretary Motaharul Islam Nixon. Also in the race are Convenor Golam Rabbani and Upazila Committee Member Sajedur Rahman Rana and AKM Ruhullah Jewel.
Jamaat's declared candidate is District Ameer and former upazila chairman Golam Rabbani. This seat is considered a Jamaat stronghold.
RANGPUR-6: The constituency incorporates Pirganj Upazila.
BNP nominee is District Convenor Saiful Islam, actively engaging in voter outreach.
Jamaat's declared candidate is Maulana Nurul Amin, Central Secretary General of Majlisul Mufassirin and member of Rangpur Jamaat's Shura. Locals believe this seat will witness a neck-to-neck battle between BNP and Jamaat.
