BNP seeks comeback while Jamaat expands outreach; NCP, GOP, IAB, AB Party, Khelafat join race in Sherpur 

SHERPUR, a northern district in Mymensingh Division bordering India's Meghalaya state, has become a major centre of political activity as election fever grips the region ahead of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election. Known for its lush green hills, scenic rivers, and proud history, Sherpur is now buzzing with rallies, meetings, and grassroots campaigns by opposition parties eyeing victory in the upcoming polls.

The district holds unique political and historical significance. During the Liberation War of 1971, Sherpur's brave sons and daughters made tremendous sacrifices for the nation's independence. Its social fabric - a blend of Bengali Muslims and indigenous Garo and Hajong communities - mirrors Bangladesh's cultural diversity.

Economically, Sherpur's strength lies in agriculture, fisheries, and cross-border trade through the Nakugaon Land Port. Politically, its electorate is known for its independence and awareness, often voting in line with national moods rather than local influence.
As the election nears, analysts believe Sherpur could serve as a litmus test for opposition unity and public sentiment across northern Bangladesh. With the ruling Awami League (AL) staying out of the polls, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami (Jamaat) are expected to face off in fierce competition. Emerging Islamist alliances such as Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB), Gono Odhikar Parishad (GOP), and the National Citizen Party (NCP) are also making their presence felt, potentially shifting the electoral balance.

BNP leaders are vigorously mobilising across the district to reclaim constituencies lost in previous elections while Jamaat is determined to re-establish its influence, particularly among young and first-time voters. Meanwhile, smaller Islamist coalitions are increasing their grassroots visibility with door-to-door campaigns and local meetings.
Political observers say the battle for Sherpur's three constituencies could be a decisive indicator of whether opposition alliances can convert growing anti-government sentiment into real electoral gains.

Residents of Sherpur, eager for a participatory and peaceful election, say they hope this poll will finally allow them to vote freely. Many believe that strong, representative leadership from Sherpur could contribute significantly to restoring democracy and advancing the district's long-delayed development goals.

SHERPUR-1: The constituency encompasses Sherpur Sadar Upazila.
In the 1979 general election, BNP's candidate and former minister Khandaker Abdul Hamid was elected as Member of Parliament (MP). Later, in the February 15, 1996 election, another BNP candidate, former deputy secretary Mohammad Nazrul Islam won the seat. Since then, however, the constituency has been dominated alternately by the Jatiya Party (JaPa- Ershad) and the AL.
For the upcoming election, two BNP hopefuls have emerged: Dr Sansila Zebrin Priyanka, Joint Convener of the Sherpur District BNP, and Shafiqul Islam Masud, also a Joint Convener of the District BNP and President of Jubo Dal's Sherpur unit.

Priyanka, who was the youngest parliamentary candidate in the 11th National Election at age 25, has been actively engaged with the public through community meetings and social initiatives. Masud, who contested the Sherpur Sadar Upazila chairman election in 2019, is also vigorously campaigning to secure the party nomination.

Dr Priyanka said, "Constructive competition is natural within a political party, but internal grouping should not undermine our unity. We are determined to honour the symbol of 'Sheaf of Paddy.' Under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, we will present all three Sherpur seats to BNP. I am confident that the people of Sherpur will warmly accept me."

Her rival aspirant, Masud, added, "The party will prioritise those who stood firm during its difficult times. I believe BNP will value grassroots leaders who fought on the streets. I am hopeful to receive the nomination."

From Jamaat-e-Islami, Hafiz Rashedul Islam has been declared as the party's candidate. A former central president of Islami Chhatra Shibir, Rashedul has been active in public outreach programmes, engaging local communities in discussions about social development, education, and anti-drug initiatives.

"Our relationship with Sherpur's people is long-standing and deeply rooted," he said. "This time, we are better prepared. The new generation is eager for change, and our mission is to build a just and prosperous Sherpur. Education, healthcare, job creation, and a drug-free society will be our top priorities."

He added, "We are committed to realising the dreams of the late Shahid Kamaruzzaman and to working collectively towards a new Sherpur that fulfils the aspirations of our people."

Engineer Md Likhon Mia is seeking the nomination from the NCP, serving as the district's Chief Coordinator. GOP has two contenders: District Convener Arif Ahmed and Senior Joint Convener S.M. Shahidul Islam Sohag. All have begun grassroots-level campaigning, hoping to capitalise on voter fatigue with mainstream parties.

From Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party, Hasan Imam Wafi, the son of Jamaat's former assistant secretary general and war crimes convict late Kamaruzzaman, is a potential candidate. Locals note that as a son of a "martyred family," he enjoys emotional support from sections of the community.

From IAB, Hafiz Maulana Faruk Ahmed, President of the District unit, is vying for nomination, while Maulana Abdul Halim, District President, is contesting under Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis. Additionally, Maulana Shafiqul Islam, President of Khelafat Majlis's Sherpur District unit, has also declared his intention to contest.

Local voters expressed a strong desire for fair elections and transparent competition. "We want to see genuine leaders who will serve people's interests, not personal or party agendas," said a teacher in Sherpur Sadar. "If voting rights are ensured, the next parliament will reflect the people's will."

SHERPUR-2: The constituency comprises Nakla and Nalitabari upazilas.
Several senior BNP figures are seeking the party's nomination for the seat. Among them are Central Executive Committee Member and District Joint Convener Engineer Mohammad Fahim Chowdhury; former District Joint General Secretary and former Nalitabari Upazila Chairman A.K.M. Muklesur Rahman Ripon; former Dhaka University student leader and Japan-based expatriate Dulal Chowdhury; and Supreme Court lawyer as well as Deputy General Secretary of the Jatiotabadi Ainjibi Forum, Mazharul Islam Babu.

Also vying for the BNP ticket are Abu Sufian Mohammad Faizur Rahman, Central Assistant Vice-President of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) and a member of the Sherpur District Convening Committee; former Assistant International Affairs Secretary of Jubo Dal and U.S.-based expatriate Elias Khan; and District Joint Convener and former General Secretary of Sherpur Government College, Fazlur Rahman Tara.

The large number of aspirants reflects the party's internal strength and its ambition to reclaim lost ground in this constituency.

BNP hopeful Fahim Chowdhury said he has always stood by the party's persecuted activists. "I remain committed to our leaders and workers who have suffered injustice. I am confident the party will nominate me. If elected, I will complete my late father's unfinished projects - former whip Zahed Ali Chowdhury - and work for the overall development of the region."

From Jamaat, the declared candidate is Md Golam Kibria VP, former central debate secretary of Islami Chhatra Shibir. Currently a Member of Jamaat's District Working Committee and Secretary of its Publicity Department, Kibria has been conducting grassroots-level campaigns across every union and ward of the constituency.

"I am one of Jamaat's youngest MP candidates," Kibria said. "My vision is to build Nakla and Nalitabari as models of inclusive development. I firmly believe the people, particularly young voters, will stand by me and ensure victory."

NCP has two nomination seekers - District Joint Coordinator (No.1) Alomgir Kabir Mithun and Central Labour Organiser Touhidur Rahman Sayeed. From GOP, District Joint Convener Kazi Hayat is seeking the ticket, while another Khelafat Majlish contender is Maulana Mokhlesur Rahman. IAB has nominated Maulana Md Abdullah Al-Qayes, Senior Vice-President of the Nalitabari Upazila unit.

From the AB Party, former District president of Islami Chhatra Shibir Md Abdullah is contesting for nomination. Meanwhile, Mufti Md Mokhlesur Rahman, a local leader, has been nominated by Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis.

SHERPUR-3: The constituency covers Jhenaigati and Sreebardi upazilas.
In this parliamentary area two prominent BNP leaders are eyeing nomination. They are Mahmudul Haque Rubel, a Central Executive Committee Member and former District BNP president, and A.K.M. Aminul Haque, an Adviser to the BNP Chairperson and a renowned chartered accountant.

Aminul Islam Badshah, former Jhenaigati Upazila chairman who was expelled from the BNP, has also intention to seek nomination from the party.

Rubel, a three-time former MP, said the constituency has long been a BNP stronghold. "For the past 17 years, I have stood by our activists who have suffered persecution from AL-backed police actions. I remain devoted to their welfare and am confident of securing the nomination. If nominated, I will win again and resume the development initiatives that began during the 2001 BNP-led government."

Jamaat has declared Md Nuruzzaman Badol, District Secretary, as its candidate. He said, "In this border-side hilly region, I want to spread the light of education to every home and build a drug- and crime-free society. My goal is to turn this area into a modern tourist destination. The people of Bangladesh are yearning for change and honest leadership. I believe they will support the balance scale, the symbol of justice."

Among other contenders, the NCP has District Joint Coordinator Lutfor Rahman Laju as a nomination seeker, while the AB Party's aspirant is former Jamaat leader Mahbubul Alam. Meanwhile, from the GOP, three hopefuls have emerged: Engineer Md Moniruzzaman, Joint Member Secretary of the District committee and Convener of Jhinaigati Upazila; Mahmudul Hasan, Executive Member of the District Committee; and Abir Ahmed Sujon, Secretary of the Sherpur Youth Rights Council.

From IAB, Mufti Abu Taleb Md Saifuddin, President of the Sherpur District branch of the National Ulama Mashayekh A'imma Parishad, has been nominated.

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis has fielded District Joint Secretary Mufti Shamim Al Razi.

With nominations still pending, political activity across Sherpur is intensifying. BNP seeks to consolidate its base, Jamaat aims to rebuild its organisational presence, and Islamist groups are striving to gain recognition as credible alternatives.

Voters across the constituencies have expressed hopes for a fair, competitive, and peaceful election. Many believe that after years of political turmoil, this could be an opportunity to elect representatives who will genuinely work for development, education, and employment - and bring back trust in the democratic process.