BARGUNA, a picturesque coastal district in southern Bangladesh under the Barishal Division, is a land where natural beauty, economic vitality, and political transformation converge. Known for its marine wealth, fertile land, and proximity to the Sundarban, this district is not only one of the country's most picturesque regions but also one of its most politically charged as the nation heads towards the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election.
Bordered by the Bay of Bengal to the south and the world-famous Sundarban mangrove forest to the west, Barguna has long held strategic and economic importance for Bangladesh. The district's identity is deeply tied to its maritime economy - Patharghata, one of its six upazilas, houses the country's second-largest fish landing centre. Every day, hundreds of trawlers return from the sea laden with hilsa, shrimp, tuna, and other valuable species, which sustain the livelihoods of thousands of fishermen and traders. This vibrant fishing hub not only anchors Barguna's economy but also makes a substantial contribution to Bangladesh's seafood exports.
Beyond fisheries, the district's natural charm draws visitors from across the country. Its tranquil rivers, mangrove canals, and sandy shores - particularly in Taltali, Nishanbaria, and Sonakata - are emerging eco-tourism destinations. The fringes of the Sundarban in western Barguna are home to deer, monkeys, crocodiles, and numerous migratory birds, offering glimpses of the area's ecological diversity. In recent years, community-based eco-tourism projects have begun to flourish, blending conservation efforts with local livelihood opportunities.
Historically, Barguna has been a land of courage and culture. During the 1971 Liberation War, the region witnessed fierce battles and acts of heroism. Monuments and memorials across the district honour the valour of its freedom fighters. Its cultural traditions - folk songs, coastal fairs, and boat races - reflect the enduring spirit of a people shaped by the rhythm of tides and the struggles of survival.
Despite facing recurring natural disasters, Barguna's residents embody a remarkable resilience. Each cyclone season brings new challenges, yet the community rises, rebuilds, and continues forward. This strength has also manifested in its politics - dynamic, evolving, and deeply rooted in the aspirations of ordinary people.
As the country prepares for the upcoming general election, Barguna has once again become a focal point of national attention. The district, comprising two constituencies - Barguna-1 and Barguna-2, is witnessing an unprecedented surge of political activity following the fall of the Awami League (AL) regime on August 5, 2024. The collapse of a long-standing autocratic government has shaken the old political order, opening space for renewed competition and debate.
Barguna is now turning into one of the most contested battlegrounds in the coastal belt. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, and Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB) have emerged as key contenders, while other parties like the National Citizen Party (NCP) and Gono Odhikar Parishad (GOP) are still struggling to establish their presence.
For Barguna's 9.3 lakh voters, this election represents more than just a choice between parties - it is a chance to redefine the district's political future. Many residents say they are seeking honest, service-oriented leadership that can tackle long-standing issues such as coastal erosion, unemployment, poor infrastructure, and the lack of sustainable disaster management.
"We've seen empty promises for decades," says Shamsul Alam, a teacher from Amtali. "Now, people are ready to vote for those who will actually stand by us when the storms come."
As campaign banners rise along the coastal roads and public meetings draw increasing crowds, Barguna once again reflects the pulse of a changing Bangladesh - a land balancing its natural splendour with its political awakening. Whether the tides of change will truly reshape its destiny remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Barguna's story, like its people, is defined by resilience, renewal, and hope.
BARGUNA-1: The constituency encompasses Sadar, Amtali and Taltali upazilas.
The seat stretching along the shores of the Bay of Bengal has emerged as one of the most politically vibrant seats ahead of the upcoming parliamentary election.
The constituency, with 5,57,874 registered voters, holds immense importance in the coastal region - not only for its strategic geography but also for its symbolic role in the country's shifting political tides following the fall of the previous regime.
About six months ago, Jamaat-e-Islami announced its candidates in both constituencies of the district, while potential aspirants from the BNP have also begun working to win over voters. With speculation that the next general election may take place in early February 2026, BNP and its like-minded allies are already in the field in full force.
In contrast, parties such as the NCP and GOP have shown little visible activity. Senior leaders from these parties said, they are still in the process of organising local committees and searching for suitable candidates. Party nominations will be declared once the Election Commission finalises the poll schedule, they added.
Before the 2008 redistricting, Barguna Sadar was part of Barguna-1, while Amtali and Taltali formed the then Barguna-3 constituency. In the 2001 election, AL's rebel candidate Md. Delwar Hossain contested from Barguna-1, while Sheikh Hasina initially contested from Barguna-3 before BNP's Md. Matiur Rahman Talukder was elected MP in the subsequent by-election.
In the following elections - the ninth, tenth, and eleventh -AL Advocate Dhirendra Debnath Shambhu retained the seat consecutively. During the 12th parliamentary election, AL's rebel candidate Golam Sarwar Tuku emerged victorious.
However, the political calculus in Barguna has drastically changed since the fall of the autocratic regime on August 5, 2024. Years of alleged corruption, abuse of power, and the proliferation of drug trade under the protection of former MP Shambhu reportedly alienated many voters. Consequently, the AL's once-firm grip on this seat appears to have weakened, creating an opening for BNP and its allies.
As of now, five BNP leaders have launched active campaigns in hopes of securing party nomination for the seat. Among them are: Nazrul Islam Molla, Member of the BNP's Central Executive Committee, former District president, and current Convenor of Barguna BNP; Firoz-uz-Zaman Mamun Molla, Central Assistant Secretary for Labour Affairs; Fazlul Haque Master, Joint Convenor of the District BNP; Humayun Hasan Shahin, Member Secretary of the District BNP; and Md. Rejbul Kabir, former president of the District Chatra Dal and ex-vice-chairman of Barguna Sadar Upazila Parishad.
Nazrul Islam Molla, who was initially nominated alongside former MP Matiur Rahman Talukder in 2018, later withdrew his candidacy in line with the party's final decision. Speaking to reporters, Molla said, "I have dedicated my entire life to BNP politics - from Chatra Dal to Jubo Dal, and later as district president. Despite constant threats and intimidation under Sheikh Hasina's regime, I remained active in the field and fought for democracy. I served three terms as Union Parishad chairman and have always stood by the people. I hope the party will value my dedication."
Central leader Firoz-uz-Zaman Mamun Molla said, "I have always practised transparent politics and stood firm against extortion and illegal occupation. I believe the party will recognise my capability and trust me with the nomination."
Humayun Hasan Shahin said he had endured arrests and persecution under the previous regime. "For 17 years, I faced false cases and imprisonment, but I never left the movement. I believe the party will not overlook my sacrifices," he said.
Fazlul Haque Master echoed similar sentiments, recalling his imprisonment during the 1/11 era and the risks he took to participate in party programmes when many leaders stayed away. "I have already reached out to voters across several upazilas and found strong public support. If nominated, I am fully confident of victory," he said.
Md. Rejbul Kabir, meanwhile, emphasised his grassroots connection. "From my days in Chhatra Dal to my tenure as vice-chairman, I have never deviated from BNP's ideals. I was twice elected GS of Barguna Government College and even won the upazila election under the AL government with the highest votes. If nominated, I am confident of winning." he told The Daily Observer.
While BNP faces internal competition, Jamaat-e-Islami is already in an organised position. The party has declared its District Ameer and former upazila vice-chairman Maulana Mohibullah Harun as its candidate. He has been actively conducting public outreach programmes and appears confident about Jamaat's prospects.
"People now want an Islamic party in power. During my tenure as vice-chairman, I worked selflessly for the people, and everywhere I go I receive overwhelming support. InshaAllah, Jamaat will win this seat," he said.
IAB is also expected to perform strongly, having secured second place in several previous elections in this constituency. The party's candidate, District Chief Adviser Maulana Mahmudul Hossain Waliullah, said, "In the past, our candidates mainly competed against the AL's. Now that AL is out of the race, we are confident of victory."
Parties such as the NCP and GOP have shown little to no visible engagement in Barguna-1. Local voters and observers report no significant organisational activity or campaign drives by these groups so far.
Talking to voters across Sadar, Amtali, and Taltali upazilas reveals a clear sentiment - people are yearning for honest, competent, and development-oriented leadership. Many say they are disillusioned by past corruption and misrule and now seek a candidate who embodies both patriotism and moral integrity.
BARGUNA-2: The constituency comprises three upazilas of Patharghata, Bamna and Betagi.
With a voter base of 3,70,530, the seat holds significant political and economic importance for the coastal district.
Located at the mouth of the Bay of Bengal and bordered by the Sundarban on the west, the constituency is both a promising tourism zone and one of the richest fishing regions in the country.
During the previous AL's governments, particularly between the 10th and 12th national elections, allegations of large-scale vote rigging, midnight voting and uncontested results helped the ruling party tighten its control over the seat. However, the political scenario changed dramatically following the fall of the autocratic Hasina regime on August 5, 2024.
Once considered an AL's stronghold, Barguna-2 has now been turned into a hotbed of activities for BNP and Jamaat. Several heavyweight leaders are already campaigning actively, setting the stage for a competitive race.
Before the 2008 boundary redefinition, Betagi was part of Barguna-1, while Patharghata and Bamna formed the Barguna-2 constituency. Following redistricting, Betagi was merged into the new Barguna-2.
In the 2001 general election, BNP candidate Alhaj Nurul Islam Moni was elected as MP from this seat. He had earlier served as an independent lawmaker in 1988 and 1991. In subsequent elections - the ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth - AL's candidates Golam Sabur Tulu, Shawkat Hasanur Rahman Rimon and Sultana Nadirah won the seat amid serious allegations of voter suppression.
But with the end of the Hasina regime, the local political equation has shifted. The opposition now sees a renewed opportunity to regain lost ground.
BNP's Central Vice-Chairman and former District president Alhaj Nurul Islam Moni is once again seeking nomination. "I have been elected MP from this seat three times. For the past 15 years, the regime tried to eliminate me through false cases and persecution. But I never compromised with the ideals of my party. I hope to gift this seat to our Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman," Moni told the Observer.
Another strong contender is Md. Moniruzzaman Monir, former Central Jubo Dal leader and current Joint Convenor of the District BNP. "Since the 1/11 era, I have been on the frontlines of every protest. I've contributed to over 150 mosques and installed tube wells for 100 families. I'm confident that I am the most qualified for the party's nomination," he said.
Maulana Shamim, former joint general secretary of the District BNP, has also been actively reaching out to voters across the three upazilas. "If nominated, I am one hundred per cent confident of victory," he asserted.
Retired Colonel Harunur Rashid Khan is also reportedly seeking BNP's nomination and has already started meeting voters at local gatherings.
Jamaat-e-Islami has declared Dr. Sultan Ahmed, a member of the Dhaka South Majlis-e-Shura, as its candidate. He has already begun mass outreach campaigns in all three upazilas. "Across the country, Jamaat's position is stronger than ever before. I have received huge public support in every rally, and I am confident that the people's love will lead me to the victory," he said.
Meanwhile, IAB has confirmed Mufti Mizanur Rahman Qasemi, District Vice-President as its candidate. He has carried out extensive campaigns across Patharghata, Bamna and Betagi. "Since August 5, people have grown frustrated with BNP's internal feuds and extortion. Our party has united the Islamic vote, and I am fully confident of victory," Qasemi said.
Local residents say they want honest, capable and development-oriented leaders. Many express frustration with past corruption and misrule, saying they will support candidates who are sincere and dedicated to the welfare of the constituency.
A voter from Betagi said, "We want a leader who will stand beside us, not someone who vanishes after the election."
As the political temperature rises in Barguna-2, BNP and Jamaat appear to be emerging as the strongest contenders. But with multiple aspirants and changing voter sentiment, the ultimate outcome remains uncertain.
