BNP relies on veteran leaders; Jamaat strengthens grassroots network; NCP, GOP, IAB active  in Sirajganj 

SIRAJGANJ, standing on the banks of the mighty Jamuna River, is a district renowned for its rich history, cultural heritage, and economic importance to Bangladesh.

The district is best known for its handloom-based weaving industry. Belkuchi, Shahjadpur, and Enayetpur upazilas are particularly celebrated for producing Tangail sarees, jamdani sarees, lungis, and other textiles. This traditional craft provides livelihoods to thousands of families and has earned Sirajganj the title of the "Manchester of the East."

Adding to its significance is the Bangabandhu Jamuna Multipurpose Bridge, one of the largest infrastructures in South Asia. The bridge connects eastern and western Bangladesh, making Sirajganj a vital communication hub. Yet, the Jamuna also brings hardship, as its continuous erosion reshapes the district's geography and disrupts lives along its banks.
Historically, Sirajganj thrived as a bustling river port and was a major centre of the jute trade during the British era, popularly known as the "Jute Centre of Bengal." Today, it remains an important commercial hub. Culturally, it is enriched by the legacy of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, who managed his zamindari in Shahjadpur and composed parts of Sonar Tori there. In addition, the district is widely recognised for its booming dairy sector, with Shahjadpur supplying milk and dairy products to Dhaka and beyond.

Now, with Bangladesh's 13th Jatiya Sangsad election expected in February 2026, this district has turned into a centre of political activity. The district's six constituencies have already become vibrant fields of contest. Aspirants of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and candidates of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami are engaged with communities through social, cultural, and sporting events, while banners and posters seeking support and prayers are becoming common sights.

SIRAJGANJ-1: This constituency covers Kazipur and part of Sadar Upazila.
According to the Election Commission, this seat has 394,672 registered voters: 199,555 women, 195,115 men, and two third-gender voters.

For long, the seat remained under the Awami League (AL) unchallenged control. However, the political atmosphere shifted after the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government in early August, giving BNP-Jamaat fresh confidence. Notably, other parties, including the National Citizen Party (NCP) have shown little presence here.

Three BNP aspirants are vying for nomination: Popular singer and Joint Convener of Central Jatiotabadi Samajik Sangskritik Sangstha (JASAS) Rumana Morshed Kanak Chapa, District BNP Vice-President Nazmul Hasan Talukder Rana, and former Kazipur BNP president Selim Reza.

Jamaat has already declared District Jamaat Ameer Maulana Shahinur Alam, as its candidates; he has been actively holding meetings and public gatherings.

Historically, the seat has seen BNP fielding candidates such as Abdul Majid Minu in 2008. Following his death, leadership shifted to Rana and Selim Reza. In 2018, Kanak Chapa contested from this constituency against heavyweight AL candidate Mohammad Nasim. However, due to AL's dominance and alleged intimidation by ruling party activists, she was reportedly unable to campaign freely in Kazipur. She later held a press conference in the Bogura town, accusing the AL of obstruction, threats, and attempts on her life.

Speaking recently, Kanak Chapa emphasised her deep connection with Kazipur: "My childhood was spent on this soil, and, though my ancestral home has long been swallowed by the Jamuna River, I feel every house in Kazipur is my own. I risked my life during AL's rule to listen to people's joys and sorrows. Now, after the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government, the people of Kazipur are dreaming again. I firmly believe, if nominated with the paddy sheaf symbol, I can secure a landslide victory."
District BNP Vice-President Nazmul Hasan Talukder Rana highlighted his sacrifices during past movements: "I endured jail time and multiple cases while standing by activists. This time, grassroots leaders want me to be nominated."

Meanwhile, Jamaat leader Maulana Shahinur Alam stated that under the AL regime, not a single Jamaat supporter was spared from harassment. "We could not open offices or hold rallies. Now, after the regime change, we are engaging in politics freely, meeting people regularly, and receiving positive responses from the grassroots."

SIRAJGANJ-2: This constituency includes Sirajganj Sadar and Kamarkhanda upazilas.

The seat has a total of 404,507 registered voters: 201,784 women, 202,721 men, and two third-gender voters.

This constituency is considered the most prestigious and strategically important seat in the district.

Traditionally a BNP-favoured area, it has nevertheless become the centre of fierce rivalry between BNP and Jamaat.
From BNP, two names stand out: Standing Committee Member and senior leader Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, and District BNP Organising Secretary Mirza Mostafa Zaman, son of late popular Member of Parliament (MP) Mirza Moraduzzaman.

Several others are also seeking nomination, including Humayun Islam Khan, BNP's former District general secretary and Central Executive Committee's Weaving Affairs Secretary; Nazmul Hasan, Central Organising Secretary of the Swechhasebak Dal; and former mayor and District BNP Vice-President Md. Mokaddes Ali. However, only Tuku and Zaman have shown visible activity in the constituency

Jamaat, on the other hand, has positioned District Secretary Muhammad Zahidul Islam Zahid as its sole candidate. Zahid, who previously served as Municipal Jamaat secretary and District Islami Chhatra Shibir President, has faced arrest and imprisonment multiple times over the last 17 years. Despite this, since the fall of the AL government, his campaign has surged, with posters and festoons featuring his image now dominating the constituency.

This sets up a rare scenario: BNP and Jamaat-long-time alliance partners-now appear to be heading for a head-to-head contest here. Both parties are seeking to consolidate their traditional bases while appealing to swing voters. Analysts argue that beyond party affiliation, the personal image and credibility of candidates will be a decisive factor here.

Zahid, speaking on his campaign, said, "For years, our activists were falsely charged in fabricated cases. Today, their morale is strong, and our organisation is solid. From every ward and neighbourhood, activists-including female workers-are spreading the message of peace. People want relief from corruption and extortion. They will vote for a transparent and clean image this time."

BNP insiders, however, admit to some internal rifts. With multiple aspirants, factionalism has created uncertainty. Yet, senior leaders maintain they are united under the directives of Acting BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, who recently announced a 31-point political agenda. "We will work for whichever candidate the party nominates," said one local leader.

Swecchasebak Dal leader Nazmul Hasan expressed optimism: "The last elections deprived people of their rights to vote. This time, there is a genuine eagerness among voters. BNP will nominate a sacrifice-driven leader, and I believe I fit that role. Still, I will fully support whoever the party finalises."

SIRAJGANJ-3: This constituency encompasses Raiganj and Tarash upazilas.
It is home to 414,843 registered voters including 206,375 women, 208,463 men, and five third-gender voters.
Political activity in this constituency has already picked up, with 17 potential BNP candidates actively engaging in local campaigning and outreach. Prominent among them are Saidur Rahman Bacchu, district General Secretary; VP Aynul Haque, former chairman of Raiganj Upazila Parishad and current District BNP Secretary for Information and Research; Khandakar Selim Jahangir, Adviser to the District BNP and former Tarash Upazila BNP president; Rakibul Karim Khan Pappu, District BNP Vice-President; and Rahid Mannan Lenin, son of the late former MP Abdul Mannan Talukdar.

On the Jamaat's side, the single nominated candidate Professor Dr. Shaykh Maulana Abdus Samad, Member of the Central Committee Working Committee is conducting an intensive campaign involving rallies, public meetings, and organisational activities. Party members are also holding community meetings in mosques, madrasas, and local neighbourhoods, highlighting aspects of Islamic governance while seeking voter support.

In addition, several BNP nomination seekers have put up festoons, banners, and posters in the area. They include industrialist and women entrepreneur Ruhi Afzal; Central BNP's Assistant Secretary for Rural Government Affairs Saiful Islam Shishir; District BNP Adviser Engineer Kamal Hossain; Dulal Hossain Khan; District BNP Joint General Secretary Barrister Abdul Baten; former District Jubo Dal leader and current Assistant Public Prosecutor (APP) of District Chief Judicial Magistrate Court Nasir Uddin; former BNP president of Tarash Upazila S.M. Afsar Ali; Principal of Nimgachi Degree College Aminul Bari Talukder; Tarash Upazila BNP leader Professor Abdul Hakim; Central Swechhasebak Dal Organising Secretary for Communication Affairs Abdul Alim; former Dhaka University Chatra Dal leader Sabujjal Hossain Ujjal; Australia expatriate Rakibul Alam Mia Apu; and Germany expatriate Sabbir Ahmed.

Additionally, independent candidate Nurul Islam Uzzal, Managing Director of the Al-Arafah Group, has started campaign activities in the constituency.

A major development in this seat was the death of former MP Abdul Mannan Talukdar on July 18 at his residence in Dhaka. Talukdar was a senior figure in BNP, serving as a member of the party's Advisory Committee. Following his death, his son Rahid Mannan Lenin has already begun grassroots mobilisation, organising previously inactive BNP leaders who had been sidelined during AL-led harassment campaigns over the past 16 years.

VP Aynul Haque, who has formally declared his intention to contest the upcoming election as a BNP candidate, highlighted his long-standing activism. "From opposing Ershad's dictatorship to standing with the BNP during times of hardship and fighting for the restoration of democracy, I have been at the forefront of political struggle. I have been imprisoned at least six times in 17 political cases. I believe I have stood by the party in difficult times, and I trust the BNP will prioritise me for nomination," he said.

Former Tarash Upazila BNP president and District Adviser Khandakar Selim Jahangir said, he is actively engaged with local voters and explaining BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman's 31-point political agenda, asserting that grassroots leaders and the public want him as the party's candidate.

Another BNP contender, industrialist and District BNP Vice-President Rakibul Karim Khan Pappu, who previously sought nomination from the seat unsuccessfully, has changed his national ID to establish residency in Shyamnai Village, Raiganj, to contest from this constituency. Pappu is building a large house in the area and believes he will secure BNP's nomination and achieve a landslide victory, despite having little recognition locally before the July uprising.

Jamaat's candidate Professor Dr. Shaykh Maulana Abdus Samad, who is Executive Council Member of the Central Committee, has also launched active campaigning in the constituency. He stated, "The party has declared me as its candidate. I am meeting residents daily and carrying out organisational activities. I am hopeful of victory."

Independent candidate Nurul Islam Uzzal expressed confidence as well, recalling his participation in the 2024 12th parliamentary election on a truck symbol, though he lost amid allegations of a manipulated AL election. "I am contesting again. My candidature is legitimate, and I aim to serve the people of Raiganj and Tarash," he said.

SIRAJGANJ-4: This constituency covers Ullapara Upazila.
The seat is the largest in the district, with 443,441 registered voters.

The constituency was under AL control for nearly three decades. However, the post-July political realignment has seen Jamaat-e-Islami assert strength here, with BNP struggling to consolidate multiple aspirants vying for the party symbol of the paddy sheaf.

NCP has also shown interest in this constituency, with Central Senior Joint Secretary Dyuti Aranya Chowdhury Preeti expected to contest in the polls.

Local campaigning has intensified with candidates attending cultural, social, and Islamic events, sporting competitions, and meeting voters across villages and neighbourhoods. BNP is divided among multiple aspirants, weakening organisational coherence, though the party's machinery remains strong.

The primary BNP contender is former two-time MP M. Akbar Ali, Central Executive Committee Member, known for extensive development work in roads, educational institutions, and infrastructure during his tenure in 1991 and 2001. Voters have expressed confidence that if nominated, he could reclaim the seat.

Other BNP nomination aspirants include Advocate Simki Imam (Central Executive Committee Member), retired DIG and Police Reform Committee Secretary Khan Saeed Hasan Jyoti, District BNP Vice-President K. M. Sharafuddin Manju, former Upazila BNP convener Abdul Wahab, and former District Jubo Dal general secretary Niyamul Hakim Saju.

Advocate Simki Imam, a woman activist, said, "I have led movements against the fascist government, faced attacks, and been subject to false cases. I hope the party will recognise my contributions."

Retired police official Khan Saeed Hasan Jyoti, who faced false charges in the 2004 grenade attack case for refusing to testify falsely against Tarique Rahman, also expressed optimism for nomination, citing his dedication to Ullapara's development.

Jamaat's delared candidate Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan, Central Assistant Secretary General, is emerging as a strong contender in the constituency, enjoying widespread support for his integrity and clean image.

Professor Shahjahan Ali, Upazila Jamaat Ameer, said, "If voters consider popularity, honesty, and ideals, Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan is unrivalled. People are ready to vote for him."

NCP's Dyuti Aranya Chowdhury Preeti is attempting to gain traction, especially among young voters, though the party remains less known among the general population. She emphasised that her ongoing engagement with local residents helps strengthen her visibility ahead of final candidate nominations.

SIRAJGANJ-5: This constituency encompasses Belkuchi and Chauhali upazilas.
The seat is historically rich in handloom industry heritage but also grapples with severe riverbank erosion along the Jamuna River.

The constituency has 398,661 registered voters, including 204,382 men and 194,279 women.
Over the decades, the seat has been a battleground for Bangladesh's major political parties.

Local residents emphasise that for over a decade and a half, voters were largely disenfranchised. Many are now eagerly awaiting a genuine democratic process, hoping to witness a transparent and participatory election after the recent political upheaval. Young voters, in particular, are determined to support candidates who are honest, competent, and patriotic, avoiding those associated with corruption or violence.

BNP's Rajshahi Division Co-organisational Secretary Amirul Islam Khan Alim is spearheading the party's efforts to reclaim the seat. Actively attending social programmes and political gatherings, Alim emphasises voter engagement and high-command visibility to consolidate support. He also leads preparations for the this district BNP conference.

Alim states, "I have always stood by the party, even during challenging times. I suffered persecution for 16 years under the fascist regime. Now, I am striving to serve the people, and I will continue to do so in the future. This seat rightfully belongs to the BNP, though it was captured by the AL in past manipulated elections. This time, we will win. The people are eagerly waiting to vote for the BNP."

Another BNP aspirant, Golam Maula Khan (Bablu), Central Joint Convener of the BNP's Tanti Dal and District Adviser, highlights his family's long political legacy. His uncle Shahidullah Khan was elected MP in 1991 and 1996, while his father Abu Kuraishi Khan served as Belkuchi Upazila Parishad chairman. Bablu notes, "Belkuchi-Chauhali is a river erosion-affected and handloom-centric area. Most voters are linked to the weaving industry. If nominated, I will work to restore the seat and address the concerns of handloom workers and riverbank communities as directed by the party."

Jamaat's sole candidate in the constituency, Professor Ali Alam, Central Majlish-e-Shura Member and former Belkuchi Upazila Parishad chairman, is actively campaigning. He emphasises that his party is committed to change and that voters will support them in this constituency. He claims, "We are visiting every neighborhood, forming ward committees, and engaging with the public. People now desire change, and Jamaat will deliver it."

Meanwhile, NCP Central Joint Secretary Mahin Sarkar, a local resident, is also actively engaging voters. "I am reaching out to people as a son of the area," he says. "They have accepted me warmly, and I am trying my best to alleviate their hardships. The rest is in Allah's hands."

In this constituency, Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB)'s Rajshahi Divisional Organising Secretary Mufti Haji Sheikh Muhammad Nurun Nabi and Gono Odhikar Parishad (GOP)'s District President of the Labour Rights Council Sohrawardy Hossain have also become candidates. However, their electoral activities are almost non-existent.

SIRAJGANJ-6: This constituency incorporates Shahjadpur Upazila consisting of 13 unions and one municipality.
Traditionally a BNP stronghold, the seat has been contested by AL candidates during manipulated elections, while Jamaat seeks to make inroads after the July political uprising.

Historically, female voter support has been crucial here. Sources claim that while BNP previously held strong sway among women voters, Jamaat now asserts significant influence in this demographic. Candidates are actively participating in social programmes to consolidate support, particularly among women voters.

Jamaat's single candidate Professor Maulana Mizanur Rahman, Shahjadpur Upazila Ameer, has been campaigning door-to-door well ahead of other contenders. He asserts, "Since Sheikh Hasina's departure, the public has accepted us warmly. People will vote for Jamaat, as we have not been involved in vandalism, looting, or extortion after August 5. We are engaging the public in markets and villages, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive."

BNP's position in Shahjadpur is still somewhat disorganised. Key aspirants include Dr. M A Muhit, son of former State Minister for Home Affairs Dr. M A Matin, who is a popular local figure and currently serves as a District BNP Adviser. Dr. Muhit says, "During the party's challenging times, I stood by the people and party workers. I hope the party nominates me for this constituency."

Other potential BNP candidates include former Central Co-Vice President of Jubo Dal Golam Sarwar, District Joint General Secretary and Milk Vita Director Mostafizur Rahman Monir, District BNP Vice-President and DAB District President Dr. Abdul Latif, and former Shahjadpur Municipal BNP president Tarikul Islam Arif.

The NCP's Central Joint Secretary S M Saeed Mostafiz is also reportedly contesting.
Local voters highlight the importance of careful candidate selection. "BNP must choose someone with constant engagement with both party workers and the general public," says young voter Abidur Rahman. "Previously, we did not vote due to manipulated elections under AL. This time, we want a candidate capable of real development for our constituency."

A female Jamaat supporter, Khadija Khatun, adds, "There were false rumors that Jamaat would restrict women if in power. Now it is clear these were spread to create fear. Post-government change, Jamaat supports women's work outside the home and is a peaceful organization."

Golam Sarwar, a BNP aspirant, says, "I have begun public outreach in anticipation of party nomination. I hope the leadership evaluates all factors and nominates me."

This seat has 456,379 registered voters, including 231,790 men and 224,587 women, with two third-gender voters. Sirajganj-6 has a similar voter profile, with intense competition anticipated between BNP and Jamaat candidates. Observers believe that the selection of the right candidate, especially one with strong grassroots connections, will be crucial to winning the seat.

As the election nears, the competition between BNP, Jamaat, NCP, and other smaller parties is intensifying, promising a vibrant democratic exercise. Observers and local residents alike are keenly watching which candidates can effectively mobilize support and address long-standing local issues such as riverbank erosion, handloom industry challenges, and community development. With voter enthusiasm high, the upcoming election could mark a significant turning point in Sirajganj's political landscape.