LALMONIRHAT, a northern district under the Rangpur Division, holds a distinct place in Bangladesh's history, economy, and politics. Bordered by India's West Bengal on the north and west, the district is rich in natural beauty, cultural heritage, and agricultural abundance. Now, with the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election drawing near, this district is once again at the centre of political attention as parties vie for influence across its three constituencies.
One of Lalmonirhat's defining features is its position as a border district. The Burimari Land Port in Patgram Upazila stands as one of Bangladesh's busiest gateways for cross-border trade, linking local markets with national and international supply chains. Farmers and traders depend on this hub for exports of agricultural produce and imports of consumer goods, cementing Lalmonirhat's role as an economic lifeline for North Bengal.
The district also hosts the Teesta Barrage at Doani in Hatibandha, the country's largest irrigation project. By controlling floods and ensuring year-round water supply, it has revolutionised agriculture in Lalmonirhat and beyond. The fertile plains now yield rice, jute, and potatoes in abundance, supporting not only local households but also contributing to the national food basket.
Historically, Lalmonirhat rose to prominence during the British colonial era as a vital railway junction connecting Bengal with Assam and Darjeeling. The district's railway heritage still shapes its identity, with the Lalmonirhat Railway Division standing as a reminder of its past as a communication hub.
Once a stronghold of the Jatiya Party (JaPa) under former president Hussain Muhammad Ershad, Lalmonirhat's political scene has undergone dramatic changes. At its peak, JaPa controlled all three constituencies of the district. Today, however, the party's organisational strength has dwindled, and it has virtually disappeared from the electoral ground, especially after the fall of Sheikh Hasina's autocratic government.
The vacuum has opened the field to other forces. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami are actively preparing for the upcoming elections. Jamaat has already announced single candidates in all three constituencies, and its grassroots machinery is working diligently in villages and marketplaces. Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB), Jonotar Dol, and the National Citizen Party (NCP) have also stepped in, hoping to attract voters dissatisfied with traditional parties.
BNP, however, faces internal struggles. In one constituency, the party has agreed on a single candidate, but in the other two, multiple aspirants are vying for the nomination. Public meetings, rallies, and outreach efforts are often conducted independently, exposing factional divides. Analysts believe these disputes could weaken BNP's momentum and give Jamaat an advantage.
Amid this contest, Jonotar Dol, led by retired Brigadier General Shamim Kamal, a resident of Lalmonirhat, is trying to position itself as a fresh alternative. Kamal argues that decades of failure by both parties have left people frustrated, creating space for new leadership. His entry has added another layer of competition to an already complex political race.
With three constituencies in play and multiple parties testing their strength, Lalmonirhat is shaping up to be one of the most competitive districts in the coming polls. Once dominated by a single political force, it now reflects the broader national uncertainty - a shift from one-party dominance to a fragmented, multi-party struggle.
As the campaign season unfolds, Lalmonirhat's mix of strategic geography, border economy, agricultural wealth, and shifting loyalties will make it a bellwether for the direction of opposition politics in northern Bangladesh.
LALMONIRHAT-1: The constituency covers Hatibandha and Patgram upazilas, comprising 20 unions and one municipality.
The seat has a total of 397,922 voters.
Historically, the seat belonged to the JaPa, which maintained dominance here since independence. However, for the last four consecutive terms, it has been under the control of the Awami League (AL).
Today, the scenario is changing, with Jamaat in a strong position, BNP divided by internal rivalries, JaPa absent, and NCP struggling to organise.
Already, six potential candidates have entered the field with active campaigns, launching public outreach, meetings, and rallies. BNP has three nomination seekers, but without unity, the party risks handling the advantage to Jamaat's single candidate.
Among BNP aspirants, Barrister Hasan Rajib Prodhan, a member of the party's National Executive Committee, has been particularly active. He has gained popularity by providing legal support to locals in Hatibandha and Patgram and participating in all levels of BNP programmes. Many consider him the frontrunner for the nomination. "People now look towards BNP," he said. "Our party has governed the state before and has the experience to ensure sovereignty and economic progress. The other parties in the field cannot deliver the same."
Another contender is Barrister Mazedul Islam Patwari, a District BNP leader and former senior joint secretary of the Bangladesh Nationalist Lawyers' Forum. Although he was denied the ticket in 2018, this time he hopes to secure it. Alongside him, Sayeeduzzaman Koyel, a grassroots leader who was active in democratic movements, is campaigning vigorously and reaching voters directly.
On the other side, Jamaat has already announced Anwarul Islam Raju, a Central Vice-President in the party's Industry and Commerce Department and a member of Dhaka North City's Majlish-e-Shura. Known for his relief work during the Covid-19 pandemic and his involvement in social initiatives, Raju has steadily built trust among locals. "I have long been connected with people," he stated. "Now they want change, and Jamaat seeks to serve the nation. We hope the people will grant us that mandate."
Adding further complexity, IAB is fielding District Vice-President Mufti Fazlul Karim Shaharia, who is preparing to contest with the party's traditional 'Hand-fan' symbol.
Meanwhile, Abu Rayan Ashayari Rochi, District Chief Coordinator of the Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party) is mobilising support, leveraging the legacy of his late father, former Jamaat leader Ershad Hossain Saju. He is actively meeting locals in markets and neighbourhoods, listening to their grievances and trying to address them.
Despite this flurry of activity, the NCP has so far failed to make its presence felt in the constituency, raising doubts about its ability to influence the outcome.
LALMONIRHAT-2: The constituency encompasses Aditmari and Kaliganj upazilas made up of 16 unions.
The seat has 426,730 registered voters.
This seat has long been dominated by the JaPa, largely due to late Mujibur Rahman, who represented it seven consecutive times. Despite criticisms of his limited development record, Rahman maintained a reputation for integrity, ensuring the party's continued hold.
In recent years, however, the JaPa's organisational grip has weakened. The NCP born from the "July Revolution," has also failed to establish a strong local base, although its central organiser Russel Ahmed is said to be preparing for candidacy.
During the 2014 national election, AL's Nuruzzaman Ahmed won uncontested due to the BNP-led boycott. In 2018, BNP's Rokun Uddin Babul surprised observers by making an impact even amid allegations of vote rigging. Contesting against AL's the then-social welfare minister, Babul reportedly secured nearly 80,000 votes in just two hours of polling before results turned against him. "I was the people's choice," Babul claimed. "The fascist regime manipulated state machinery to defeat me. This time, I expect my party will nominate me again so that I can serve as a people's candidate."
However, Babul faces a challenge from within his own family. His cousin, Jahangir Alam, Convenor of Kaliganj BNP, is also seeking nomination. Known for philanthropy and community service, Alam has built goodwill by donating to schools, mosques, temples, and madrasas. As the three-time elected chairman of Chandrapur Union, he enjoys a clean reputation and significant grassroots support. Meanwhile, former MP and ex-district BNP general secretary Saleh Uddin Ahmed Helal has recently resumed political activity after recovering from illness and is also in the race of nomination.
In this constituency, Jamaat has declared District Secretary Advocate Firoz Haider Lavlu as its candidate. Lavlu has been active for months and is regarded as a formidable challenger to BNP. "In past elections, BNP benefitted from our alliance votes," he argued. "Now that we are running independently, we expect people to support us for a welfare-oriented state."
Adding to the competition, Jonotar Dol, founded by retired Brigadier General Shamim Kamal, son of late Mujibur Rahman, is preparing for its first electoral test. Kamal, who has cultivated a clean public image, is seen as a potential force capable of reshaping the political balance. His supporters have been organising meetings and rallies across the constituency.
Meanwhile, IAB has nominated Mufti Mahfuzur Rahman, a local leader who has been energetically campaigning with his party workers.
However, Gono Odhikar Parishad (GOP) is yet to show any visible activity in the area.
LALMONIRHAT-3: This constituency comprises nine unions and one municipality under Lalmonirhat Sadar Upazila.
The seat is set to become one of the most closely watched battlegrounds in the upcoming elections.
With a total of 303,913 registered voters, the constituency will witness a triangular contest featuring the BNP, Jamaat, and IAB.
The BNP has nominated its lone candidate Professor Asadul Habib Dulu, a former deputy minister and the party's Organisational Secretary for the Rangpur Division.
Dulu is a heavyweight figure in the region, having stunned observers by winning in 2001 and later serving as deputy minister of communication and deputy minister of food and disaster management.
During his tenure, he played a key role in utilising Begum Khaleda Zia's "Dal-Bhat Programme" to mitigate seasonal famine (monga) in northern Bangladesh, which earned him deep popularity.
In recent months, Dulu has reasserted his political strength by spearheading the Teesta River Protection Movement, mobilising massive gatherings along the riverbank in support of a 48-hour programme. His ability to draw such large crowds has reinforced his image as a leader with a disciplined, loyal organisation and strong grassroots presence. Many analysts believe that with the majority of voters behind him, Dulu has little to fear from rivals. His reputation for development efforts and organisational skills has extended beyond local politics, enhancing his profile at the national level.
Speaking to reporters, Dulu expressed optimism, "The love and trust people have shown me for my welfare-oriented work will be reflected again in this election. The Teesta Master Plan, Burimari and Mogholhat land ports, a proposed airport, and an economic zone are all projects we are already working on. Under our 'Alokito Lalmonirhat' initiative, we will continue to fight against drugs and dowry while expanding cultural activities for the welfare of the people."
Meanwhile, Jamaat has declared Lecturer Harunur Rashid, former president of Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir in Rangpur City and former central school and college secretary of the party. He has been actively campaigning for months.
Party insiders say Harun received the green signal early and has since conducted widespread public outreach in villages and market-places. His grassroots efforts and strategic campaigning have begun to build traction, particularly among voters seeking change.
Harun declared, "People want an alternative. We seek support based on honesty and competence. If voters respond, our first task will be to establish equality, peace, and justice in Lalmonirhat Sadar. We will also address people's pressing local development demands."
The other contender in the race is Alhaj Mokshedul Islam, Secretary of IAB's Lalmonirhat District branch. He and his team are focusing on policy-based campaigns, advocating for moral governance rather than personality politics.
Analysts note that the absence of AL, JaPa, and NCP candidates, the main contest is expected to be between BNP and Jamaat, though IAB's presence cannot be overlooked.
Adding to the intrigue, voter enthusiasm appears unusually high this time. Many citizens, particularly first-time and young voters, are eager to cast their ballots after years of political unrest and alleged disenfranchisement. Observers say the period from 2009 to 2024 left many feeling deprived of their democratic rights, and now they are determined to participate freely.
With campaigning intensifying, Lalmonirhat-3 is shaping up as a classic electoral test: whether BNP's established heavyweight Dulu can defend his stronghold, or whether Jamaat's Harunur Rashid can capitalise on the growing appetite for change. Either way, the outcome here will carry significant weight for the broader political battle unfolding across North Bengal.
