NAOGAON,
located on the banks of the Jamuna River in the Rajshahi Division, is
today regarded as the breadbasket of Bangladesh. With its fertile land
and vibrant culture, the district plays a vital role in the nation's
economy and heritage.
Situated at the heart of the ancient
Varendra region, Naogaon has earned a reputation not only for its
abundant agricultural production but also for its rich archaeological
treasures that continue to draw historians, tourists, and researchers
from around the world.
Naogaon is home to some of the most
significant archaeological sites in South Asia. Among them, the Somapura
Mahavihara, better known as the Paharpur Buddhist Vihara, stands out as
a crown jewel. Located in Badalgachhi Upazila, this massive Buddhist
monastery-dating back to the 8th century-is one of the best-known
'viharas' in the Indian subcontinent. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage
Site in 1985, the monastery is considered a masterpiece of pre-Islamic
Bengali architecture, reflecting the region's glorious Buddhist past.
Another
key landmark is the Kusumba Mosque, situated on the west bank of the
Atrai River in Manda Upazila. Equally significant is the Jagaddala
Mahavihara, a Buddhist seat of learning from the late 11th to mid-12th
century. Naogaon also carries cultural ties with Nobel Laureate
Rabindranath Tagore. Patisar, an estate in the district, was closely
associated with Tagore's life and literary activities. Other historic
locations such as Dubalhati, Dibar Dighi, and ancient sites scattered
across the district bear witness to Naogaon's deep historical
significance.
According to the 2022 Census of Bangladesh, Naogaon
District has 765,457 households with a population of 2,784,599,
averaging 3.59 persons per household. It is one of the most populous
districts in the Rajshahi Division and notable for its diversity.
Outside of the Chattogram Hill Tracts, Naogaon hosts the largest ethnic
minority population in Bangladesh, comprising ethnic Santal, Oraon, and
other communities. This multi-ethnic character enriches the cultural
fabric of the district.
Economically, Naogaon is best known for
its agriculture. Rice cultivation dominates, and the district is a major
supplier of food grains across Bangladesh. This reputation has earned
it the title of the "breadbasket of Bangladesh." The fertile plains not
only sustain the local economy but also make the district an area of
strategic political importance.
With the upcoming national
elections on the horizon, this historically rich and densely populated
district is abuzz with political activity. According to public opinions
and local sentiment, the candidates of Bangladesh Nationalist Party
(BNP) are currently leading in all six constituencies of the district.
However, the primary contests are expected to be between the BNP and
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami candidates.
Other political parties
such as National Citizen Party (NCP), Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB),
Jatiya Party, Khelafat Majlish, Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), and
Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal (BSD) are not much active in the district.
NAOGAON-1: The constituency encompasses Porsha, Niamatpur, and Sapahar upazilas.
In
this constituency, Dr. Abu Salek Chowdhury, a former four-time Member
of Parliament (MP) for the BNP, is a strong favourite. He is reportedly
leading public opinion polls, with three other candidates also vying for
the nomination. Local residents widely believe that if Dr. Salek
Chowdhury is nominated, he will secure a landslide victory, despite a
strong challenge from the Jamaat candidate.
Other BNP hopefuls
are Md Mustafizur Rahman, General Secretary of Niamatpur Upazila BNP;
Khalid Hasan Chowdhury Fahim, Member of Advisory Council of BNP
Chairperson and Central Information and Research Secretary; Shah Ahmed
Mozammel Chowdhury, President of Porsha Upazila BNP; Lion Md. Masud
Rana, Member of Porsha Upazila BNP; and Md Mahmudus Salehin, Member of
Sapahar Upazila BNP.
Jamaat has declared Principal Mahbub Alam, Executive Council Member, as its candidate.
NAOGAON-2: The constituency incorporates Dhamoirhat and Patnitala upazilas.
This
seat is set for a high-stake contest. Here, BNP's Central Agriculture
Affairs Secretary Shamsuzzoha Khan, who served as BNP MP from 1991 to
2006, remains a powerful contender. Shamsuzzoha enjoys stronger
grassroots connections. BNP aspirant Mahbubur Rahman Chowdhury Chapal,
former president of Dhamoirhat Upazila BNP, are also in the race.
Other
BNP potential candidates are Khaza Nazibullah Chowdhury, a BNP leader,
and KM Musabbir Safi, former joint secretary of BNP's Central Science
and Technology Affairs Committee .
Jamaat has declared Engineer Enamul Haque, Executive Council member, as its candidate for this seat.
Voters believe a direct contest between Shamsuzzoha and Enamul would heavily favour the BNP candidate.
NAOGAON-3: The constituency includes Badalgachhi and Mahadebpur upazilas.
The competition for this seat involves four BNP candidates.
A
young BNP leader, Parvez Arefin Siddiqui Joni, son of late former
Deputy Speaker Akhter Hamid Siddiqui Nannu, is considered the most
potential to win by a wide margin if he receives nomination. His
youthful leadership and connection to his father's legacy make him a
strong prospect.
Rabiul Alam Bulet, President of Mahadebpur
Upazila BNP, Fazle Huda Babul, President of Badalgachhi Upazila BNP, and
Asif Kabir Chowdhury, joint secretary of the Central BNP, are also
strong contenders.
Jamaat declared Mahbubur Rahman, Joint
Secretary of Dhaka North Jamaat, as its candidate while IAB announced
Shahidul Alam, GS of Naogaon District IAB, as its candidate.
NAOGAON-4: The constituency encompasses Manda Upazila.
In
this large constituency, three senior BNP leaders are seeking
nomination: M. A. Matin, President of Manda Upazila BNP, Mokhlesur
Rahman, GS of Manda Upazila BNP, and Dr. Ekramul Bari Tipu, former
Upazila GS and Upazila Chairman.
Although all BNP hopefuls are
active and well-respected, M. A. Matin enjoys widespread popularity,
especially among youths. Dr. Ekramul Bari Tipu is also known for his
amiable nature and community engagement.
Jamaat has declared District Ameer Md. Rakib as its candidate.
The main contest is expected to be between M. A. Matin and Md. Rakib.
NAOGAON-5: The constituency incorporates Naogaon Sadar Upazila.
This constituency has not had a BNP MP since 1996, but a crowded field of hopefuls is seeking to change that.
The
most prominent is former president of Naogaon District BNP Nazmul Haque
Soni, a three-time successful mayor with immense popularity. Another
strong candidate is Zahidul Islam Dhalu, former general secretary (GS)
of the District BNP who, in the 2018 election, garnered an impressive
87,000 votes in just three hours. The newest contender is Alhaj Mamunur
Rahman Ripon, GS of the District BNP, who has recently been elected with
overwhelming support. He gained significant public recognition after
being jailed during the October 2023 movement in Dhaka.
The list
of aspirants also includes some local BNP leaders like Dablu, a former
police officer, as well as Tuhin, Sheikh Shukoor Ali, and Hafizur
Rahman. Local sentiment suggests that whoever is ultimately chosen by
the party will likely win the seat.
A. S. M. Sayem, GS of District Jamaat, has been declared as the Jamaat candidate from this seat
NAOGAON-6: The constituency comprises Atrai and Raninagar upazilas.
This
is a historically important and sensitive constituency due to intense
political rivalries. Alamgir Kabir, former State Minister for Public
Works, served as the MP from 1991 to 2006. Despite his poor presence in
the area in recent times, he maintains a loyal base of supporters. His
brother, Anwar Hossain Bulu, Member of Central Executive Committee of
BNP, also contested the seat for the BNP in 2008.
Other hopefuls
include Rezaul Islam Reju, President of Atrai Upazila BNP, young leader
Aminul Islam Belal, former Joint GS of Naogaon District BNP, and
Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) Latif Khan, Member of Advisory Council of BNP
Chairperson.
Jamaat has declared Khabirul Islam, Executive Committee Member, as its candidate for this seat.
The
candidates claim that they have made contributions to their
communities. However, the consensus among the electorate is clear: those
who have stood by and supported party workers facing oppression and
imprisonment over the last sixteen years will earn their votes.
The
political climate in Naogaon is a reflection of this sentiment, as
parties rally their bases and prepare for what promises to be a highly
competitive election.
