RAJSHAHI, the largest city in north-western Bangladesh and the divisional headquarters of the Rajshahi Division, occupies a unique and distinguished place in the nation's history, economy, and culture. Situated on the banks of the mighty Padma River, the city is widely celebrated as the "Silk City" and the "Education City" of Bangladesh and is also enjoying international recognition as part of the country's famed mango belt.
One of Rajshahi's most enduring claims to fame is its silk industry. For centuries, the region has been renowned for producing high-quality silk, often referred to simply as "Rajshahi silk." This delicate, finely woven fabric has been a source of pride for generations, used in sarees, scarves, and other garments that remain popular both at home and abroad. With its soft texture, vibrant colours, and elegant designs, Rajshahi silk continues to symbolise the artistry and craftsmanship of Bangladesh's heritage textile industry.
The city is also known as an academic powerhouse. Often called the "Education City," Rajshahi is home to some of the country's most prestigious institutions. Rajshahi University, one of the largest and oldest universities in Bangladesh, has produced countless scholars, politicians, and intellectuals who have contributed to the nation's development. Alongside it stand other renowned institutions such as Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology (RUET), Rajshahi Medical College, and Rajshahi College. Together, these institutions foster a vibrant academic environment that draws students from across the country.
Rajshahi is equally celebrated for its contribution to agriculture, particularly its mango orchards. The fertile soil and favourable climate of Rajshahi and neighbouring Chapainawabganj make the region ideal for mango cultivation. These mangoes, cherished for their sweetness and flavour, not only dominate domestic markets but are also exported abroad, strengthening Bangladesh's agricultural economy and enhancing Rajshahi's reputation as part of the nation's "mango capital."
Adding to its appeal, the Padma River flows gracefully alongside the city, offering both natural beauty and economic lifeline.
The river sustains agriculture, supports fisheries, facilitates transport, and enhances the city's scenic charm. In recent years, Rajshahi has also earned praise as one of the cleanest and most eco-friendly cities in Bangladesh. With its reduced pollution levels, greener streets, and disciplined urban management, the city stands out as an example of sustainable living in the country.
As the nation prepares for the upcoming 13th Jatiya Sangsad election, Rajshahi's political climate has entered a new phase of dynamism and uncertainty. The district, comprising nine upazilas and six parliamentary constituencies, has become a focal point of shifting strategies and recalibrated ambitions. This election, scheduled for February next year, will be the first general election following the fall of the Awami League (AL) government on August 5, 2024-an event that dramatically reshaped the political order in Bangladesh.
In this transformed reality, the major political parties in Rajshahi are manoeuvring to consolidate their positions. Yet, their approaches differ sharply, revealing both strengths and vulnerabilities.
Once the dominant force in Rajshahi politics, the AL now appears weakened and disorganized. Following last year's political upheaval, the party's organizational structure in the district has suffered severe setbacks. Many top leaders face legal troubles, including criminal cases and imprisonment, while others remain in exile or inactive. Their absence has left a noticeable void in public activities, creating communication gaps between grassroots workers and central leadership.
The lack of visible campaigning or preparatory activity has raised doubts about the party's capacity to mount a serious challenge in the upcoming polls. For now, the AL's role in Rajshahi remains uncertain, with its organizational apparatus struggling to recover from the aftershocks of losing power.
In contrast, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has seized the opportunity to reinvigorate its organizational base in Rajshahi. After years of political restrictions, BNP leaders and activists are now visibly active, participating in rallies, community engagements, and cultural programmes to reconnect with voters.
However, the party faces a formidable internal challenge: candidate selection. Across Rajshahi's six constituencies, nearly 50 individuals have declared themselves as aspirants for nomination. This abundance of contenders highlights both the party's renewed strength and the risk of factional rivalries. Internal competition has sparked tensions at the grassroots level, threatening party discipline and cohesion. Managing this internal contest without alienating supporters or splintering the base will be a crucial test for BNP's district leadership.
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has adopted a contrasting strategy, marked by discipline and early preparation. The party finalised its candidates for all six constituencies well ahead of its rivals, allowing nominees ample time to establish their presence.
Their campaign style is less flamboyant but highly focused, relying on steady grassroots engagement, religious events, and social activities to cultivate voter loyalty.
Jamaat's quiet yet organised approach has impressed observers, giving it an edge in terms of preparation even if its overall popularity faces national-level challenges.
Several other parties are also active in Rajshahi. These include the Jatiya Party (JaPa), National Citizen Party (NCP), Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB), Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal (BaSaD), and Bhashani Janashakti Party. Their organizational efforts remain limited compared to BNP and Jamaat, but they are attempting to carve niches through selective programmes and targeted voter outreach.
Notably, the NCP is yet to complete its district-level committees but has launched a series of initiatives to signal its presence. While their prospects of winning may be slim, smaller parties could still influence outcomes by splitting votes or aligning with larger blocs.
Rajshahi thus finds itself at a political crossroads. Once defined by its silk, mangoes, and academic excellence, the city and its surrounding constituencies are now an arena where major political forces test strategies in an altered national landscape.
For BNP, the challenge lies in managing internal rivalries; for Jamaat, it is sustaining disciplined growth; for AL, it is a matter of survival and relevance. Meanwhile, smaller parties watch closely, hoping to seize any opportunity created by shifts in voter loyalty.
RAJSHAHI-1: This constituency covers Tanore and Godagari upazilas.
The seat has a total of 440,218 registered voters.
Traditionally, it has been a competitive seat, often swinging between BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, with other parties maintaining a limited footprint.
The BNP faces intense competition among more than half a dozen nomination aspirants. Among the leading hopefuls is Major General (Retd.) Sharif Uddin, a member of BNP Chairperson's Advisory Committee and former military secretary to former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia (2001-2006). He is the younger brother of late minister Barrister Aminul Haque, and he has launched extensive organizational activities, leveraging both his military reputation and family legacy.
Another strong contender is Advocate Sultanul Islam Tarek, a well-known industrialist who has earned a degree of grassroots acceptance through philanthropy and social work. Engineer K.M. Jewel, former environment secretary of Rajshahi City BNP, is popular among younger voters, while Barrister Mahfuzur Rahman Milon, Supreme Court lawyer and Joint Organizing Secretary of BNP's Lawyers' Forum, is drawing attention through his professional standing and his role as vice-president of Godagari BNP.
Former mayor of Rajshahi City Corporation and BNP's National Executive Committee Secretary for Forest and Environment Affairs, Mosaddek Hossain Bulbul, is also seeking nomination Other BNP figures in the race include Sajedur Rahman Marconi, a veteran and former vice- president of the District BNP, and Principal Abdullah Al Mahmud Biplob, Central Assistant Secretary and Divisional Member Secretary of Zia Parishad.
Jamaat has already nominated Professor Mujibur Rahman, the party's Nayeb-e-Ameer, who previously won this seat in 1986. His long-standing reputation and the party's mosque-madrasa networks continue to provide him with significant organisational strength. His campaign focuses on grassroots prayers, gatherings, and door-to-door contact.
BaSaD (Khalekuzzaman faction) has confirmed its candidate, District Convener Alfaz Hossain, who is active with his party workers.
JaPa leaders are also preparing, though the party is yet to declare a nominee.
RAJSHAHI-2: This constituency comprises the entire Rajshahi City Corporation.
The seat has a total of 318,138 registered voters.
Historically, it has been a BNP stronghold, though the Workers Party and JaPa have also claimed victories in the past. Since independence, BNP has won three times, JaPa twice, and the Workers Party three times, while one independent candidate has also won.
BNP has several heavyweight contenders. Mizanur Rahman Minu, a three-term mayor of Rajshahi City Corporation and member of BNP Chairperson's Advisory Council, is considered a frontrunner. He also served as MP from this seat in 2001 and remains a formidable figure in city politics. Advocate Ershad Ali Isha, Convener of Rajshahi Metropolitan BNP, is also seeking the nomination, banking on his grassroots organizational activity. Party sources say that Minu is still ahead because of his 'clean image' and experience.
Jamaat has nominated Dr. Mohammad Jahangir, Nayeb-e-Ameer of Rajshahi City Jamaat and Founding Director of Islami Bank Medical College Hospital. As a physician, he enjoys a clean personal image, and his organisational base within the city's Islamic institutions makes him a strong challenger.
From the left, the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) is expected to field Ragib Ahsan Munna, backed by the Left Democratic Alliance.
JaPa sources confirm they will field a candidate but have not yet selected any one.
RAJSHAHI-3: The constituency encompasses Mohanpur and Paba upazilas.
The seat has a total of 358,663 registered voters.
This constituency is another arena where BNP is struggling with multiple aspirants.
Advocate Shafiqul Haque Milon, BNP's Assistant Secretary for Relief and Rehabilitation, contested here in 2018 and remains a strong candidate. Alongside him, Raihanul Alam Raihan, District BNP Convening Committee Member and former District Chhatra Dal president, is campaigning actively. Professor Abdus Samad, former Mohanpur Upazila BNP president and ex-upazila chairman, is also in the race. Nasir Hossain Osthir, son of the late state minister Advocate Kabir Hossain, carries a strong family legacy and could emerge as a serious contender.
Jamaat's declared candidate is Professor Abul Kalam Azad, a five-time elected chairman of Horogram Union Parishad under Paba Upazila. His personal popularity and local service record make him a formidable force.
RAJSHAHI-4: The constituency is composed of entire Bagmara Upazila.
The seat has a total of 280,175 registered voters.
Here, BNP faces the fiercest internal rivalry, with more than half a dozen aspirants competing. Among the contenders are D.M. Ziaur Rahman Zia, Convener of Bagmara BNP and former upazila chairman; Professor Kamal Hossain, Member Secretary of the Upazila BNP; Dr. Zahid Dewan Shamim, a U.S.-based expatriate and former Chhatra Dal leader; Dr. Ashfaqur Rahman Shelly, Central Assistant Secretary for Health Affairs of Swechchhasebak Dal; Brigadier General (Retd.) Zahurul Islam; Rezaul Karim Tutul, Secretary of District Jubo Dal; and Barrister Salekuzzaman Sagor, member of BNP's lawyers' forum.
Former MP Professor Gafur and his son, retired Major Abdullah Al Farabi, are both vying for BNP's nomination in this constituency. Professor Gafur has said that the family would be satisfied if either father or son is chosen.
D.M. Ziaur Rahman Zia said, "Unhealthy competition is not good for the party. Whoever the party nominates, we will work in their favour."
Jamaat has nominated Dr. Abdul Bari Sardar, a local leader and a physician whose long-standing service has won him widespread public acceptance. Many observers believe he could be a strong challenger to BNP.
Dr. Abu Yusuf Selim, Central Secretary General of Bhasani Janashakti Party, has declared his candidacy.
JaPa's Upazila Acting President Nasir Uddin is also preparing to contest.
RAJSHAHI-5: The constituency encompasses Durgapur and Puthia upazilas.
This seat has a total of 300,817 registered voters.
In this constituency, BNP's nomination race is crowded, with at least eight hopefuls campaigning actively.
A prominent contender is Abu Bakkar Siddique, Central Executive Committee Member and Convener of Puthia BNP. Another is Mahmuda Habiba, member of BNP's media cell and Joint Secretary of Krishak Dal. Professor Nazrul Islam Mondal, a former upazila chairman, is also in the fray.
BNP's late MP Nadim Mostafa's son, Julkar Naeem Mostafa, carries a significant family vote bank. Mohammad Abdus Sattar, a businessman and social worker, and Golam Mostafa, former Joint Secretary of Jatiyatabadi Chatra Dal Central Committee, are also running. Two others-Rokonuazzaman Alam, a leader of Sramik Dal, and Khairul Haque Shimul, former vice-president of Puthia BNP-round out the list.
Jamaat has declared District Assistant Secretary Nuruzzaman Liton as its candidate. He has begun campaigning.
JaPa's former MP and freedom fighter Professor Abul Hossain, a Central Adviser, is considered a possible candidate.
RAJSHAHI-6: The constituency includes Bagha and Charghat Upazilas.
The seat has a total of 340,527 registered voters.
This Padma riverside seat is witnessing heated BNP competition, with six aspirants vying for the nomination.
Among them are Abu Sayeed Chand, Convener of Rajshahi District BNP; Nuruzzaman Manik, former president of Bagha BNP; Anwar Hossain Uzzal, former joint secretary of the District BNP and ex-president of Jubo Dal; Debashish Roy Madhu, Central Committee Member; Golam Mostafa Mamun, former District BNP organizing secretary; and Bazlur Rahman, ex-vice-president of Bagha BNP.
Jamaat has declared Nazmul Haque, Assistant Secretary of District Jamaat, as its candidate.
IAB has fielded Mufti Amirul Islam, President of the Malaysia branch IAB. From JaPa, District President Shamsuddin Rintu, is actively campaigning as a prospective candidate.
Across Rajshahi's six constituencies, the electoral dynamics suggest that the absence of the AL will leave BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami in head-to-head competition. BNP's internal nomination rivalries present a major challenge, as factional disputes could undermine unity and voter confidence. In contrast, Jamaat's single-candidate strategy and disciplined grassroots network position it as a cohesive challenger.
Smaller parties such as JaPa, BaSaD, CPB, and IAB remain in the field but are unlikely to exert significant influence, except in cases where their votes might split margins in tightly contested races.
As Election Day approaches, the field will clarify further once parties officially declare their final candidates. For now, the Rajshahi electoral landscape remains one of the most competitive and strategically important in the northwest region of Bangladesh.
