NARAIL, a small but culturally vibrant district in south-western Bangladesh, has long been celebrated for its unique blend of history, art, sports, and natural beauty. Though modest in size, it has produced some of the nation's most renowned figures and continues to draw attention for its contributions to Bangladesh's identity and heritage. Today, Narail is also at the centre of political discussions, with two constituencies shaping up as competitive battlegrounds in the upcoming 13th Jatiya Sangsad election.
One of Narail's greatest claims to fame lies in the arts. The district is the birthplace of the world-renowned artist SM Sultan, whose visionary works earned him international recognition. Sultan's paintings portraying the resilience and dignity of rural peasants, remain iconic in Bangladesh's cultural history. His home in Narail has been converted into the Sultan Complex, which houses a museum and art gallery. The annual Sultan Mela, a cultural festival in his honour, attracts artists, writers, and admirers from across the country, cementing Narail's status as a hub of creativity.
Historically, Narail has also been a centre of education and reformist thought. During the colonial period, it produced notable social reformers, educators, and writers who contributed to the intellectual awakening of Bengal. This legacy continues through its schools, colleges, and cultural institutions. The district has nurtured Baul traditions and folk music, ensuring that its cultural vibrancy extends beyond the fine arts.
The district's natural beauty adds another layer to its fame. Crisscrossed by rivers such as the Madhumati, Chitra, and Nabaganga, Narail boasts fertile lands, lush greenery, and scenic waterways. Agriculture, particularly jute cultivation, has long been central to the local economy. Once considered Bengal's "golden fibre," jute from Narail still plays a role in the region's livelihood. In addition, its fisheries are highly regarded for quality, contributing to the district's reputation as a rich agricultural and aquatic zone. The rural landscape-its fields, rivers, and villages-has often inspired poets, painters, and storytellers.
Narail is also known for its sporting achievements, particularly through the contributions of Mashrafe Bin Mortuza. The former captain of the Bangladesh cricket team, affectionately dubbed the "Narail Express," has brought immense pride to the district. His leadership in both cricket and politics has placed Narail on the national stage, earning him respect beyond the sports arena.
Adding to this identity is the district's tradition of religious and cultural harmony. Narail is home to historic mosques, temples, and shrines, symbolising centuries of coexistence. Festivals and fairs, attended by people of diverse communities, highlight the spirit of inclusivity and unity that continues to characterise the region.
Beyond its cultural, natural, and historical significance, Narail has recently gained prominence as a hotbed of political activity. Following the fall of the Awami League (AL) government on August 5 last year, the political scenario has shifted dramatically.
The upcoming parliamentary elections, expected to be held in February next year, have intensified political engagement across Narail's two constituencies. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB), National Citizen Party (NCP), and Khelafat Majlis are all manoeuvring to capture influence.
Jamaat and IAB have already finalised their nominees and begun visible campaigns, while the BNP has become the centre of attention due to its crowded field of aspirants. Courtyard meetings, rallies, and banner campaigns across local markets testify to the intensity of their preparations.
Both seats in this district have turned into a stage of fierce political competition. With multiple BNP leaders-ranging from long-time organisers to younger aspirants-seeking nomination, the party's internal race has become a public spectacle. Meanwhile, Jamaat and IAB candidates are working to consolidate their bases, promising development and organisational strength if elected. Smaller parties like NCP and Khelafat Majlis are also maintaining a presence, reflecting the constituency's diverse political landscape.
NARAIL-1: This constituency covers five unions of Kalia Upazila along with parts of Narail Sadar.
The seat has become one of the most talked-about constituency in south-western Bangladesh ahead of the upcoming national parliamentary election.
With a total of 2, 90,945 registered voters, the constituency is historically significant and politically sensitive. While the AL had enjoyed dominance here in previous elections, the landscape has changed dramatically since the fall of the party from power on August 5 last year after the mass uprising. With the cancellation of its registration and lawsuits surrounding many of its leaders and activists, the AL has no candidate in the field, creating a rare vacuum in an area it once considered secure.
This absence has opened the door to other political parties, particularly the BNP, to fill the gap. Unlike other parties which have finalised single candidates, the BNP has seen a flood of aspirants, turning the nomination race into an open contest that is drawing significant public interest. Banners, posters, courtyard meetings, workers' assemblies, and leaflet distributions by BNP hopefuls dominate the constituency's marketplaces and neighbourhoods, making the party's activities far more visible than those of its rivals.
At the forefront of this race is Narail District BNP President and National Executive Committee Member Alhaj Biswas Jahangir Alam. A veteran leader with more than three decades of service in the party, he previously contested the 2018 election under BNP's iconic paddy-sheaf symbol. Though defeated then by the AL candidate, Jahangir Alam stresses his loyalty and continuous presence on the ground as his strongest credentials.
While speaking with the journalist, he said, "For 35 years I have been in the field as a worker of BNP, which was formed by the great announcer of independence, Ziaur Rahman. If nominated, I will bring back the victory with all the party's strength." His long association with grassroots activists gives him a distinct edge in the nomination race.
Still, Jahangir Alam faces stiff competition from other BNP leaders, many of whom have strong organizational bases.
Former US BNP President Abdul Latif Samrat has been active in mobilising supporters; Ashiq Faruq Dadabhai, a former District BNP adviser, is highlighting his years of party service; Zulfikar Ali Mondal and Sajjadur Rahman Suja, both former vice-presidents of the District BNP, are also pressing their claims.
Younger and diaspora-linked aspirants, such as Texas BNP General Secretary Zahirul Islam Zahir and Hindu Buddhist Christian Oikya Kalyan Front Khulna Division Organizing Secretary Sukesh Saha Anand, son of former BNP MP Dhirendranath Saha, have entered the field as well, alongside BNP leader Lt. Col. (Retd.) SM Sajjad Hossain, ex-student leader Rabiul Islam Sagar.
Other BNP aspirants include Shahiduzzaman Pasha, Assistant Secretary for Entertainment Affairs of the Central Swechhasebak Dal; Shafiqul Haider Parvez, Chief Advisor of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation in Kalia Upazila; and local BNP leader BM Nokib Hossain, President of the BM Bakir Hossain Smriti Foundation. The crowded race demonstrates BNP's struggle to balance seniority, loyalty, and generational change.
Party insiders, however, suggest that Jahangir Alam remains the frontrunner. Kalia Upazila BNP General Secretary Sam Wahiduzzaman Milu told reporters, "District BNP President Biswas Jahangir Alam has been with leaders and activists for almost three eras, including the long AL period. He is ahead in the nomination race." Yet, senior figures emphasize unity after the nomination. Sardar Anwar Hossain, President of Kalia Upazila BNP, said, "Whoever the party nominates, we will all work together for the party."
On the other side, Jamaat has finalised its candidate for the seat. The party has nominated District Secretary Maulana Obaidullah Qaiser, who has been energetically campaigning since his nomination. Through meetings, rallies, and direct interactions, Qaiser promises visible development if elected. Jamaat's long-standing organisational strength in parts of Narail gives him a solid foundation, though its broader national challenges remain a limiting factor.
NCP, a newer force born from student activism, has not finalised its nomination but is being led locally by its Upazila Coordinator Nazmul Hasan Ujjal. Ujjal claims he has received "hundred per cent assurance" of nomination from the party's high command and is preparing accordingly.
IAB has also finalised its candidate, Maulana Abdul Aziz, a Central Member who campaigns under the party's Hand Fan symbol. Aziz has been leading processions, local gatherings, and other activities to mobilise voters.
Meanwhile, Khelafat Majlis has put forward Maulana Abdur Rahman, upazila President though his activity in the field remains limited.
These smaller parties, while unlikely to dominate, add layers to the competition, particularly in terms of dividing votes among Islamist-leaning electorates. Their presence also underscores the fragmented nature of opposition politics, where BNP remains the main challenger but faces competition for certain segments of the vote bank.
The broader backdrop of this contest is the fall of the AL government on August 5 last year and the subsequent establishment of an interim government. With no ruling party candidates in Narail-1, the dynamics have shifted dramatically. Voters who once aligned along pro- and anti-AL lines are now considering alternative forces, making the field unusually unpredictable.
NARAIL-2: This constituency comprising Lohagara Upazila and part of Narail Sadar, has quickly emerged as one of the most closely watched constituencies in the south-west ahead of the upcoming national election.
With its mix of one municipality and eight unions in Sadar, along with twelve unions and another municipality in Lohagara, the seat carries considerable political weight. It is also remembered for being represented in the last parliament by Mashrafe Bin Mortuza, the celebrated former captain of the Bangladesh national cricket team. Since the fall of the AL government, Mashrafe has remained inactive in politics, leaving a vacuum in a seat once regarded as a safe stronghold for the ruling party.
In his absence, opposition forces are preparing for a fierce contest. At least four BNP leaders have already become active contenders. Among them, Fariduzzaman Farhad, chairman of the National People's Party (NPP) and coordinator of the nationalist alliance, stands out. A former candidate in the 2018 election under BNP's paddy-sheaf symbol, Farhad has launched mass communication efforts as part of his campaign preparation.
Another strong contender is Monirul Islam, General Secretary of Narail District BNP and Chairman of Sadar Upazila Parishad. Islam has been campaigning actively in his locality, joining social and religious events while maintaining close contact with grassroots leaders and activists. "Despite AL's repression, we were on the streets. Victory will be ours if the environment for fair elections is created," he told supporters.
The BNP line-up is further strengthened by retired army officer Major (Retd) Kazi Manjurul Islam Prince and former District BNP organising secretary Shahriar Rizvi George. Both have been seen in the field highlighting BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman's 31-point programme as a blueprint for national change. Their campaign messages stress organizational strength, resilience, and the need for electoral fairness.
Outside BNP, Jamaat has finalised Ataur Rahman Bachchu as its candidate. As District Ameer and a member of Jamaat's Central Majlis Shura, Bachchu is drawing on his organizational base through regular meetings, processions, and community outreach. "I have been nominated centrally. We are increasing public participation with the strength of the organization. We are 100% confident of victory if the elections are fair," he stated in a recent rally.
IAB has also confirmed its participation with Principal Maulana Tajul Islam; district Vice President as its candidate. He has begun grassroots-level campaigning, focusing on local religious gatherings and small meetings to boost visibility.
Meanwhile, the NCP has entered the scene with Joint Coordinator Shariful Islam, who has been promoting his candidacy by engaging directly with community groups. Adding further diversity, NCP's youth wing Jatiya Jubo Shakti's Central Joint Member Secretary Mahmuda Sultana Rimi is also in the field, making her presence felt through public relations efforts and party programmes.
According to data from the Narail District Election Office, Narail-2 has a total of 3,84,575 registered voters. Among them, 1,90,037 are men and 1,94,538 are women, reflecting a nearly balanced electorate. The large voter base, coupled with the absence of a strong AL candidate, has turned the constituency into one of the most competitive in the district.
The overall political atmosphere in Narail-2 is charged with activity. Candidates from multiple parties are taking part in social and religious events, organizing rallies, distributing posters and banners, and engaging in mass communication. Local residents describe the mood as festive, with the streets and marketplaces buzzing with campaign materials and discussions about potential candidates.
Observers note that the high enthusiasm among leaders, activists, and grassroots supporters signals that Narail-2 may emerge as one of the most talked-about constituencies in the upcoming elections nationwide. With no clear favourite yet, the battle is shaping up to be unpredictable and intense. The eventual outcome is likely to depend on whether BNP can unify behind a single strong candidate, how effectively Jamaat and IAB mobilise their organizational bases, and whether smaller parties succeed in splitting the opposition vote.
