BNP faces internal conflicts; Jamaat consolidates bases; NCP, GOP, IAB, BaSaD join race in Jhenaidah 

JHENAIDAH, a district in the south-western region under Khulna Division, has long stood as a hub of education, agriculture, trade, and traditional craftsmanship. Known for its fertile lands, cultural depth, and patriotic legacy, the district continues to play a vital role in shaping Bangladesh's socio-economic and political landscape.

The district's strong agricultural foundation has not only ensured food security but also encouraged sustainable rural development, positioning Jhenaidah as an agricultural powerhouse within Khulna Division.

Jhenaidah is not only a land of fertility but also of valour. During the Liberation War of 1971, the district played a critical role as one of the first to be liberated from Pakistani occupation forces. For this, it earned the proud title of a "freedom fighter's land."
As the next parliamentary election draws nearer, Jhenaidah is buzzing with political activity. Like other districts, it has become a vibrant field of competition among multiple parties. Since the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government following the July-August 2024 student and public uprising, the political landscape has dramatically changed. The Awami League (AL) has become almost invisible in the district's political field, while the opposition parties have moved swiftly to fill the void.
In the upcoming election, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB), and Gono Odhikar Parishad (GOP) have emerged as the major active contenders. These parties are organising meetings, rallies, and door-to-door campaigns to win the hearts of voters and energize their support base.
Meanwhile, the National Citizen Party (NCP) and the Socialist Party of Bangladesh (BaSaD) remain less visible in election-related activities, though they are preparing to participate.

JHENAIDAH-1: This constituency comprises Shailkupa Upazila.
The seat has become one of the most closely watched constituencies.
This constituency, which includes one municipality and 15 unions, has a total of 3,21,604 voters, of whom 1,60,757 are males and 1,60,847 are females - showing a slightly higher number of female voters.

This seat was dominated by the BNP from 1990 to 2001, after which the AL held it until 2024. BNP is determined to reclaim its lost ground - though internal rivalry and multiple nomination aspirants have become a challenge for the party.

Among the key BNP hopefuls, Assistant Organizing Secretary of the Khulna Division Jayanta Kumar Kundu has been highly active. He has been engaging with voters through courtyard meetings and public gatherings. "I have always stood by the common people during the AL's fascist regime," he told The Daily Observer. "I participated in every movement against the previous government. I'm confident of securing the party nomination, and I believe most voters are with me."

Another prominent BNP contender is Advocate Md. Asaduzzaman, Secretary for Human Rights Affairs of the BNP's Central Executive Committee. He is also actively strengthening his grassroots connections in Shailkupa. "The party will make its final decision after the Election Commission declares the poll schedule," he said. "But we are working closely with the people to ensure our readiness."

From Jamaat-e-Islami, A.S.M. Matiur Rahman, Assistant Ameer of Shailkupa Upazila, has already been announced as the party's candidate. He told, "Voters have been deprived of their rights to vote for a long time. If the election is free, fair, and peaceful, I am hopeful of victory. Jamaat has no involvement in extortion or illegal occupation. We stand for justice and people's rights."

GOP has nominated Md. Rabbi Hasan, District's Organizing Secretary, while IAB has fielded Alhaj Md. Raihan Uddin, President of Shailkupa Upazila unit. "Considering the current political situation, we believe general voters will support us," Raihan Uddin said.

Advocate Asadul Islam, Convener of the district unit of the BaSaD, will contest as a Left Alliance candidate, emphasising social justice and equality.

Political observers suggest that the BNP currently holds the strongest influence in this area although local factors, candidate popularity, and alliance dynamics will play key roles in determining the final outcome.

JHENAIDAH-2: This constituency encompasses Jhenaidah Sadar and Harinakundu upazilas.
This parliamentary area comprises 13 unions and one municipality under Jhenaidah Sadar Upazila, and seven unions and one municipality under Harinakundu Upazila.

According to the latest figures, the total number of voters in the constituency stands at 500,508.
The seat is gearing up for a competitive and politically charged parliamentary battle in the upcoming national election.
Traditionally considered the heart of Jhenaidah's political landscape, the seat has long been seen as a barometer of the district's overall political sentiment.

Once a BNP stronghold, the constituency was under the party's control from 1990 until 2006. However, since 2008, it has remained firmly in the hands of the AL. As the next general election approaches, BNP is desperate to reclaim its lost ground. But insiders fear that internal divisions and multiple aspirants could weaken the opposition party's prospects.
BNP's local leadership faces the challenge of managing a growing number of nomination seekers, each claiming strong ties to the grassroots.

Md Abdul Mazid Biswas, Senior Joint General Secretary of the Jhenaidah District BNP and a former General Secretary of the district Chatra Dal, has made his intention to contest from the seat clear. "I am confident that the party will nominate me because I have always stood by the people and the activists during the AL's repressive rule," he said.

Mazid added that he has been conducting yard meetings and public gatherings to mobilise the party's base. Known for his clean image and close connections with ordinary voters, he is viewed as a promising young leader capable of reinvigorating BNP's local structure.

Another contender is Mir Rabiul Islam Lablu, a member of the BNP Central Executive Committee and former Vice-President of the Jubo Dal's central body. A veteran leader who earned his political stripes during the 1980s, Lablu said, "I have long been standing beside the common people and am confident that my reputation as a clean leader will help me earn both the nomination and the public's trust."

Freedom Fighter SM Moshiur Rahman, a former convener of District BNP and former president of Jhenaidah District Bar Association, is also lobbying for the party ticket. His background as a freedom fighter and senior lawyer gives him a distinct profile among BNP's aspirants.

District BNP President Advocate Abdul Mazid has likewise expressed his readiness to contest if the party nominates him. He said, "Once the Election Commission announces the schedule, the party will decide who will represent it. I am conducting meetings, rallies, and campaigns across the constituency to prepare for the election."

Another notable figure is Owajiul Haque Sharif, a former senior joint convener of the Jhenaidah District BNP and ex-office secretary of Central Swechchhasebak Dal. A poet and short-story writer, Sharif is also a founding organiser of the district's Chatra Dal. "I am holding public meetings to win the people's hearts," he said. "The BNP will give me the nomination, and I will contest to ensure victory."

Dr Ibrahim Rahman Babu, son of former BNP MP Moshiur Rahman and a central leader of the Doctors' Association of Bangladesh (DAB), has also thrown his hat into the ring. As the District BNP's Health Affairs Secretary Dr Babu said, he hopes to continue his father's political legacy while bringing a professional and service-oriented approach to local politics.
However, many BNP insiders fear that the party's nomination race could become divisive. "With so many aspirants, the risk is that infighting might hand an advantage to the ruling party," said a local political observer.

Jamaat has already declared its candidate-Assistant Professor Ali Azam Mohammad Abu Bakkar, District Ameer of the party. Speaking to this correspondent, he said, "Voters have not had the chance to freely cast their votes for a long time. If the election is free and fair, I am confident of victory."

He further said, Jamaat is working tirelessly in the villages to consolidate its vote base, focusing on issues like corruption-free governance and equal rights. "We are not involved in extortion or illegal occupation," he said. "People know this and will vote for us."

Tareq Reza, NCP's Central Joint Member Secretary and Jhenaidah Coordinator, has also shown interest to participate in the election.

Meanwhile, Rashed Khan, Central General Secretary of the GOP, has emerged as a strong contender. Known nationally for his student activism, Rashed Khan has been frequently seen addressing roadside gatherings and community events across the constituency.

Local political analysts believe that if BNP and GOP form an electoral alliance, Rashed Khan could receive the joint nomination. Even if no alliance materialises, he is expected to contest independently, banking on his youth-oriented appeal and growing recognition as a reformist voice.

IAB has declared AHM Momatazul Karim, the party's District President, as its official candidate. "We are optimistic that the general voters will consider the current political situation and support our party," Karim said. "We are fully prepared to contest the election."

The Left Alliance has also entered the fray, announcing Md Mamun Hossain of the BaSad as their contender.

JHENAIDAH-3: This constituency includes Kotchandpur and Maheshpur upazilas.
There are 425,026 registered voters, of which 214,060 are males, 210,963 females, and 3 third-gender voters.
Among the four constituencies of the district, this one is known as the stronghold of Jamaat-e-Islami, with a large number of loyal workers and supporters. For decades, Jamaat maintained dominance in local-level elections, but the voting pattern began to shift in recent years, especially during the controversial national elections held under the AL government.

Local sources say that the BNP is determined to get the seat as several influential party figures have expressed interest in securing the party ticket. Multiple leaders have already started lobbying with the BNP high command to secure the nomination.
One of the prominent aspirants is K.M. Amiruzzaman (Shimul Khan), Assistant Secretary for Information and Research Affairs of the BNP's National Executive Committee. Speaking to reporters, he said, "I have been standing beside the common people for a long time. I believe the party will nominate me to contest the upcoming election."

He further said, "For the last sixteen years, I have stood with the people during their difficult times. I oppose all forms of extortion and illegal occupation in my area. I am confident the BNP will trust me with the nomination."

Another strong contender is Engineer Mominur Rahman, Joint General Secretary of the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal, Adviser to the Jhenaidah District BNP, and Joint Convener of the Maheshpur Upazila BNP. He has been actively holding rallies and courtyard meetings to mobilise supporters. "I am working tirelessly to win the hearts of voters," he said, expressing optimism about getting the BNP nomination.

Jatiotabadi Samajik Sangskritik Sangstha (JASAS) leader and noted singer Monir Khan has also thrown his hat into the ring. Widely known for his popularity as an artiste and long-standing association with the BNP, he has begun grassroots meetings to strengthen his position. "I have always been with the people," he said. "The party will definitely give me the opportunity to serve them through politics."

Another notable aspirant is Barrister Ruhul Quddus Kajal, General Secretary of the Supreme Court Bar Association and a long-time BNP activist. "The party will finalise its decision after the Election Commission announces the schedule," he said, indicating that several senior lawyers and central BNP figures are eyeing key constituencies.

The local BNP unit has also been energised by the entry of Mehedy Hasan Rony, General Secretary of Maheshpur Upazila BNP and son of the late Shahidul Islam Master, a former BNP MP. Rony, who is widely respected in his locality, said, "My father served the people with honesty, and I have continued his political activities. I believe the party will give me the nomination to carry forward his legacy."

While the BNP's internal competition continues, Jamaat has already confirmed its candidate. Assistant Professor Matiar Rahman, a member of the party's Central Majlis-e-Shura, noted Islamic speaker, and former Maheshpur Upazila chairman, will contest from this seat.

Matiar Rahman said, "For many years, voters have been deprived of the chance to cast their votes freely. If a fair and peaceful election is held, I am confident of victory. People will support Jamaat because we have always stood against corruption, extortion, and injustice. Our aim is to establish equity and ensure people's rights."
His campaign is already visible across the constituency, with banners, festoons, and yard meetings appearing in Kotchandpur and Maheshpur. Local observers say Jamaat's grassroots network remains strong, and its organisational discipline gives it an edge in rural areas.

Meanwhile, IAB has nominated Maulana Md. Sarwar Hossain, Member of the Advisory Council of the party's Maheshpur Upazila unit, to contest in this seat. "People are frustrated with the traditional political parties. They have failed to fulfil the people's desires. We are confident that voters will support our symbol for a new beginning," he said.

JHENAIDAH-4: This constituency covers Kaliganj Upazila and four unions of Jhenaidah Sadar Upazila.
It includes 11 unions and one municipality in Kaliganj, and 4 unions from Jhenaidah Sadar, with a total of 329,633 voters-165,991 males and 163,637 females.

A new wave of enthusiasm has emerged here, especially among young voters. Roughly one-third of the electorate belongs to the youth category, many of whom will cast their votes for the first time. Local political analysts say that whichever candidate can win the hearts of young voters will likely gain a decisive advantage.

Within the BNP, several prominent figures are lobbying for the nomination. Saiful Islam Firoz, Senior Joint Secretary of the party's Central Volunteer Wing and former Dhaka University Chatra Dal leader, has openly declared his intention to contest.

"I believe in living with hope," he said. "I am well-known to the voters of this constituency and confident that the party will trust me. I have already started meetings and rallies to mobilise public support."

Hamidul Islam, Joint Convener of the BNP's Kaliganj Upazila unit, is another active aspirant. "I have always stood beside the common people," he said. "I am confident of getting the BNP nomination and hopeful of victory in the next poll."

Meanwhile, Mursheda Zaman, wife of former BNP MP Shahiduzzaman Beltu, has also expressed her willingness to contest. "My husband served the people of this constituency with dedication. The party will hopefully nominate me based on my political involvement and my husband's reputation," she said, while continuing her campaign through meetings and personal outreach.

Another notable BNP figure seeking nomination is Advocate Akidul Islam, Additional Public Prosecutor (Additional PP) of Jhenaidah District Judge Court, former general secretary of the District Bar Association, and former Law Affairs Secretary of Kaliganj Upazila BNP.

He said, "If I get the party's nomination, I will win by a large margin and play an active role in the area's development. I was elected General Secretary of the Jhenaidah District Bar Association last year, even during the autocratic AL regime. This shows the trust people have in me."

Jamaat-e-Islami has also declared its candidate early. Maulana Abu Taleb, a leader of the party's Kaliganj Upazila unit, will contest the upcoming election. "We are working tirelessly through meetings, rallies, and charity activities to support the poor," he said. "The people are with us, and I am fully confident of winning, Insha'Allah."

From the IAB, Mufti Ahmad Abdul Jalil, District Joint General Secretary and Central Organising Secretary of Islami Juba Andolan, will represent the party.

In addition, Md Sakhawat Hossain, Assistant Secretary for Central Education Affairs and President of District GOP, has been engaging in limited political activities in the constituency.

Md Mominur Rahman (Mitul), a member of the District unit of BaSad, will contest under the Left Alliance. While his organisational strength is limited, BaSad's decision to field a candidate reflects the Left's intention to maintain visibility in local politics.

Observers note that IAB's Mufti Abdul Jalil and GOP's Sakhawat Hossain have not yet generated strong campaign visibility, while NCP appears largely inactive in the field.