KISHOREGANJ, a north-eastern district in Dhaka Division, is a land of water, heritage, and political legacy. Known for its vast haors that flood during the monsoon to form shimmering inland seas, the district lives half its life under water and half on fertile farmland. The mighty Meghna flows here, formed by the union of the Surma and Kushiyara while the Narasundha River slices through the town of Kishoreganj itself.
The district is both ancient and modern in its identity. Archaeological remains from Egarosindur in Pakundia show that Kishoreganj was part of thriving trade routes 2,500 years ago. It later stood at the crossroads of empires-from the Palas and Senas to the Koch and Barman chieftains. Today, it is celebrated for landmarks like the Pagla Mosque and the Sholakia Eidgah Maidan, the largest congregation ground for Eid in Bangladesh, drawing worshippers from across the globe.
The district is also the birthplace of towering political figures. Syed Nazrul Islam, Acting President of the Mujibnagar Government in 1971, hailed from here. Late President Zillur Rahman and former President Mohammed Abdul Hamid were elected from Kishoreganj seats, and late Awami League (AL) General Secretary Syed Ashraful Islam made his mark here. Yet the political ground has shifted. Once an AL stronghold, the district is now largely dominated by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), with the AL nearly absent from the electoral field.
As the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election approaches, the atmosphere of the district is charged. Tea shops, bazaars, and ferry ghats are abuzz with speculation. BNP enjoys renewed momentum among young voters who seek change and are frustrated by unemployment.
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, meanwhile, has already announced candidates in nearly all constituencies while Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB), Khelafat Majlish, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh, and Gono Odhikar Parishad (GOP) are lining up aspirants. The multiplicity of parties has created a highly competitive race, but also tension.
On an average, eight to ten aspirants are visible in each of the six constituencies. Meetings, processions, and door-to-door campaigns are underway. Posters and leaflets have started to appear even before the official election schedule. While BNP leaders dominate the headlines, smaller parties are working the grassroots, hoping to capitalise on the absence of a strong AL presence.
KISHOREGANJ-1: This constituency includes district headquarters and the adjoining Hossainpur Upazila.
Historically, it has produced several prominent leaders. For the BNP, many aspirants are already jostling for nomination.
Former Dhaka Division Special Judge Rejaul Karim Khan Chunnu is considered one of the strongest contenders, while District BNP General Secretary Mazharul Islam, Vice-President Ruhul Hossain, and Senior Joint General Secretary Khaled Saifullah Sohel are also in the race. Barrister Atikur Rahman, a High Court advocate, and former general secretary A.E.M. Wali Ullah Rabbani are also added to the list.
Jamaat is banking on former District Ameer Professor Mossadak Bhuiyan, who has been quietly mobilising in villages. From GOP, Media Organizer Abu Hanif has started grassroots meetings.
Khelafat Majlish is represented by District Founding President and current Adviser Saikul Hadis Moulana Hifzur Rahman Khan while IAB has selected District Adviser Professor Azizur Rahman Germani. Jamiat's local leader Maulana Mohammullah Jami, President of District Committee, is seeking party nomination.
KISHOREGANJ-2: This constituency covers Katiadi and Pakundia upazilas.
The seat has strong BNP traditions, but it is facing tough internal rivalry.
Former MP Major (Retd) Akteruzzaman Ranjan is campaigning for nomination. Other BNP figures in the race include Advocate Md. Jalal Uddin, Vice-Presidents Asfaq Ahmed Jun and Ruhul Amin Akil, Joint General Secretary Shahiduzzaman Kakon, former mayor Toffazzol Hossain Khan Dilip, and former Pakundia Jubo Dal president Ahmed Faruq Khokon.
Jamaat's Maulana Shafiqul Islam Morol, former vice-chairman of Katiadi Upazila Parishad, is seeking nomination from the party.
Smaller parties are also not silent. Khelafat Majlish's local leader Maulana Sayed Ahmed, and Shafiqul Islam Shafiq, District President of GOP, are already holding ward-level meetings. Another contender, Maulana Rashid Ahmed Jahangir Hossaini of Jamiat Ulema has drawn attention for his fiery speeches.
With BNP splintered among multiple hopefuls, observers predict a possible opening for Jamaat or IAB to make inroads.
KISHOREGANJ-3: The constituency encompasses Tarail, and Karimganj upazilas.
This constituency is shaping up to be a battleground of political heavyweights.
Former education minister and BNP Vice-Chairman Dr. Osman Faruk, a national-level figure, is seeking nomination here once again. His main rival is Mujibul Haque Chunnu, seasoned Jatiya Party (JaPa) leader and former minister, who retains a strong base.
BNP is not short of secondary aspirants either. District Vice-President Jahangir Alam Mollah, Advocate Jalal Mohamad Gous, and former Karimganj Upazila Chairman Saiful Islam Sumon are all testing their luck.
Jamaat-e-Islami is fielding retired Army Colonel and Professor Dr. Jahad Khan, while IAB has nominated District President Maulana Alamgir Hossain Talukder. Khelafat Majlish's Ataur Rahman Sahan, President of City unit and Jamiat Ulema's local leader Maulana Abu Bakar Siddique are also in the fray.
Locals view this race as one of Kishoreganj's most unpredictable.
KISHOREGANJ-4: The constituency incorporates Austagram, Itna, and Mithamain upazilas.
This haor belt constituency is geographically challenging, with candidates navigating by boat during monsoon to reach voters.
BNP's leading face here is Advocate Fazlur Rahman, an adviser to party Chairperson Khaleda Zia and a Liberation War veteran.
He remains a highly respected figure. Alongside him, Abdur Rahim Mollah, a former deputy commissioner and freedom fighter, has also thrown his hat in.
Other BNP hopefuls include District Bar Secretary Aminul Islam Ratan, Upazila BNP leader Ferdous Ahmed Chowdhury Laky, Suronjon Gosh of the Hindu Kallyan Trust, and former deputy secretary Johir Uddin Bhuiyan.
Jamaat has declared Sheikh Md. Rokon Reza, a former Shibir central leader, while IAB is campaigning for Billal Ahmed Mojumder.
Khelafat Majlish has nominated Baitul Mal Secretary Maulana Oliur Rahman; Maulana Anwarul Islam, a local leader, is seeking nomination from Jamiat Ulema.
KISHOREGANJ-5: The constituency covers Bajitpur and Nikli upazilas.
This seat has become the focus of BNP's mid-level leadership. Central Committee Member Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Iqbal and Syed Ehsanul Huda¸ top leader of the 12-Party Alliance are both lobbying for nomination.
Former Bajitpur Municipality Mayor Ahsan Kufia; Advocate Badrul Momen Mithu, President, Nikli Upazila BNP; Shafiqul Islam Rajon, Member of Nikli Upazila BNP, and Krishak Dal Central Committee Vice-President Hazi Masuk Mia are also running vigorous campaign.
District BNP Members Mohammad Badrul Alam Shipu, Advocate Jomiul Hoque Faysal and former secretary Abdul Wahab have joined the fray.
Jamaat has declared District Ameer Professor Ramzan Ali as the candidate.
Khelafat Majlish is represented by District Committee President Maulana Abdul Ahad while Jamiat has nominated Maulana Dilawar Hossaini Nuri, Joint General Secretary, District Committee, as their candidate. The State Reform Movement's Chief Coordinator Advocate Hasnat Qayyum is campaigning in this area.
KISHOREGANJ-6: The constituency includes Bhairab and Kuliarchar upazilas.
This industrial hub, known for its transport links and business communities, is considered a BNP stronghold. District BNP President and Central Organizing Secretary Md. Shariful Alam is widely expected to secure the nomination. His stature and network give him an upper hand. Therefore, the name of any other potential BNP candidates for this seat has not been heard so far.
Jamaat, however, has fielded Bhairab Upazila Ameer Maulana Mohammad Kabir Hossain. Khelafat Majlish is backing Associate General Secretary of the District Committee, Maulana Saiful Islam Sahel; Jamiat is supporting its local leader Principal Maulana Lais Uddin, and IAB has finalised District President of Islami Sramik Andolan Mohammad Musa as its candidate.
Although BNP appears dominant, smaller parties are active in mosques, schools, and marketplaces, attempting to build alternative narratives.
Across Kishoreganj, electioneering is growing intense. Candidates are moving from village courtyards to urban wards, often campaigning late into the night. Youth groups on motorbikes accompany rallies, while grassroots women's groups are canvassing door-to-door. Campaign themes include rising costs of living, unemployment, and poor infrastructure in haor areas.
Yet uncertainty hangs in the air. Many wonder whether BNP can retain its absolute dominance or if internal splits will weaken it. Jamaat's organized presence, particularly in rural madrasa networks, adds another dimension. Smaller parties like GOP, Khelafat Majlish, and Jamiat Ulema are unlikely to win outright but may play spoiler roles, fragmenting the opposition vote.
