BAGERHAT, located in the south-western region of Bangladesh under the Khulna Division, is widely recognised for its cultural, historical, and architectural significance.
The district, famed for the Mosque City of Bagerhat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, continues to attract tourists, historians, and pilgrims from across the country and abroad. Founded in the 15th century by the revered Sufi saint Khan Jahan Ali, the town, originally known as Khalifatabad, is home to numerous mosques, tombs, and monuments built of terracotta bricks. Among these, the Sixty Dome Mosque (Shat Gombuj Masjid) stands out as the crown jewel, alongside other notable sites such as the Nine-Domed Mosque, Bibi Begni Mosque, and the tomb of Khan Jahan Ali, all of which exemplify a unique blend of Islamic art and Bengali craftsmanship.
The district's historical significance is complemented by its natural beauty, with rivers like the Mongla, Pashur, and Daratana crisscrossing its fertile lands. Bagerhat also serves as a gateway to the Sundarban, the world's largest mangrove forest and another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Eco-tourists visiting Bagerhat have the opportunity to witness the Royal Bengal Tiger, crocodiles, and a wide variety of bird species while exploring its scenic waterways. The Mongla Port, Bangladesh's second-largest seaport, adds to the district's economic importance, supporting trade, fisheries, and local livelihoods.
Furthermore, Bagerhat enjoys strategic connectivity through roads and waterways, linking it to Khulna, Barishal, and other parts of south-western Bangladesh. Its accessibility has made it a growing destination for cultural tourism, research, and eco-tourism initiatives.
As the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election approaches, Bagerhat's political landscape has become intensely active. The three parliamentary constituencies in the district are now the focus of vigorous campaigning by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami (Jamaat) candidates. While other parties have maintained a relatively low profile, the election discourse among ordinary voters centres heavily on the prospects of BNP and Jamaat nominees.
This election season is further complicated by the reduction of parliamentary seats in Bagerhat from four to three, a decision that has created uncertainty among potential candidates of both parties.
Widespread protests erupted across Bagerhat after the Election Commission announced its decision to reduce the number of parliamentary constituencies in the district from four to three. Local residents, political leaders, and civil society representatives strongly opposed the move, arguing that it undermined fair representation and ignored the district's growing population. To reclaim lost ground and assert their political influence, local political groups have mobilised under the banner of all-party joint committees, staging hartals, blockades, sit-ins, human chains, and protest rallies over the past two months. These activities are ongoing, reflecting the heightened tension in the run-up to the polls.
The seat reduction process began when the Election Commission's specialised technical committee initially proposed the reduction from four to three constituencies on 30 July. Following this, the Commission issued the final gazette on 4 September, officially redrawing the boundaries and confirming the change. Subsequently, the High Court issued a rule on 16 September, questioning why the Election Commission had not maintained all four seats and challenging the legality of the reduction. The court directed the Commission and related authorities to respond within ten working days.
Senior lawyer Barrister Sheikh Mohammad Zakir Hossain explained the legal proceedings, stating that copies of the case and show-cause notices have been served to the Election Commission, the District Commissioner, and the district election office. "The case is now ready for hearing, but due to the vacation period in both the High Court and the Appellate Division, the hearing cannot take place immediately. Once the courts reopen on 19 October, the matter can proceed. Given the limited time and the likelihood of a November election schedule, we are also considering filing an application with the Chief Justice to form a special bench for expedited hearing. We are optimistic that justice will prevail and Bagerhat's four-seat status will be restored," he said.
Under the final gazette, the constituencies are now designated as Bagerhat-1 (Bagerhat Sadar-Chitalmari-Mollahat), Bagerhat-2 (Fakirhat-Rampal-Mongla), and Bagerhat-3 (Kachua-Morelganj-Sharankhola). Previously, elections had been held across four constituencies, with the boundaries as follows: Bagerhat-1 (Chitalmari-Mollahat-Fakirhat), Bagerhat-2 (Bagerhat Sadar-Kachua), Bagerhat-3 (Rampal-Mongla), and Bagerhat-4 (Morelganj-Sharankhola).
Despite the reduction in seats, potential BNP and Jamaat candidates have intensified their campaigns across the district. BNP aspirants are organising worker meetings, rallies, courtyard gatherings, roadshows, and motorcycle processions to garner voter support. Several high-profile BNP leaders are also potential candidates in this seat. It is heard that multiple BNP leaders have already started lobbying at the party's central office to secure the nomination.
Similarly, Jamaat candidates are actively engaging with voters through community meetings, street campaigns, motorbike rallies, and social media outreach, aiming to expand their appeal beyond traditional constituencies.
The seat reduction has led to intense speculation over which candidates will contest in which constituencies. Analysts and political commentators are closely observing the situation, with discussions among voters focusing on candidate selection, party alliances, and possible impacts of the seat changes on electoral outcomes.
In the past two controversial elections, voters could not cast their votes and became frustrated. This time, they are eagerly waiting for a festive and participatory election. The voters are enthusiastic and ready to cast their ballots for the candidates of their choice.
Local residents have expressed the hope that the elections will be free, fair, and participatory, enabling them to vote for candidates who genuinely represent public interests. With BNP determined to reclaim lost ground, Jamaat striving to re-establish its influence, and other minor parties attempting to make their presence felt, the political stage in Bagerhat promises a heated and closely watched contest.
BAGERHAT-1: The constituency encompasses Bagerhat Sadar, Mollahat, and Chitalmari upazilas.
In this seat, the contest is expected to be fierce between potential BNP and Jamaat candidates.
The BNP aspirants include M.A. Salam, former president of Bagerhat District BNP; M.A.H. Selim, former District president, ex-MP, and freedom fighter; Engineer ATM Akram Hossain Talim, District BNP Convener; Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Central Committee Member and former Member of Parliament (MP); Sheikh Muhammad Zakir Hossain, Senior District BNP Member; Sheikh Wahiduzzaman Dipu, Central Committee Member; and Engineer Masud Rana, District BNP leader.
Jamaat has declared Sheikh Monjurul Haque Rahad, head of the Bagerhat District Jamaat's youth wing, as its candidate. He has been engaging voters through community outreach and local meetings to consolidate his support base.
BAGERHAT-2: This constituency includes Fakirhat, Rampal and Mongla upazilas.
BNP's potential nominees for the seat include Shamimur Rahman Shamim, Central Committee Secretary for research and agriculture; and Dr. Sheikh Faridul Islam, District BNP Joint Convener.
On the Jamaat side, Bagerhat District Ameer Advocate Sheikh Abdul Wadud has been declared candidate.
Campaigns here have involved public meetings, rallies, and grassroots voter engagement, as candidates attempt to secure support in these densely populated constituencies.
BAGERHAT-3: The constituency covers Kachua, Morrelganj and Sarankhola upazilas.
In this constituency, the BNP aspirants include Kazi Khairuzzaman Shipon, District BNP leader; Professor Dr. A.B.M. Obaidul Islam, Central Committee Secretary for Education; and Dr. Kazi Moniruzzaman Monir, central leader of Jatiotabadi Tati Dal.
Jamaat's candidate for this constituency is Principal Abdul Alim, District Jamaat Working Council Member who has been actively reaching out to voters through meetings and local campaigns.
With the reduction of Bagerhat's parliamentary seats from four to three, these constituencies have become the focus of intense political activity. Both BNP and Jamaat are deploying a range of strategies, including street campaigns, courtyard meetings, motorbike rallies, and social media outreach to mobilise voter support.
Analysts note that this restructuring has sparked debates among local voters about candidate selection, party strategy, and electoral prospects, making the 13th parliamentary election in Bagerhat one of the most closely watched contests in south-western Bangladesh.
