BNP faces nomination battles; Jamaat strengthens bases; NCP, IAB, Khelafat Majlis join race in Jashore 

JASHORE, a district in south-western Bangladesh, proudly holds the distinction of being the country's first digital district. Nestled along the banks of the Kabatak River, Jashore is both historically rich and economically significant. Established in 1781, it is one of the oldest and largest districts in Bangladesh. Administratively falling under the Khulna Division, the district enjoys substantial political and strategic importance and is often celebrated as the "Flower Capital" of Bangladesh.

Classified as an "A"-grade district due to the number of its upazilas, Jashore-also traditionally spelled as "Jashohor"-boasts a long legacy of culture, education, and infrastructural development. It is also noteworthy for being the first district to achieve liberation from colonial rule in Bangladesh, further cementing its place in the country's historical narrative.

Jashore's historical roots trace back several centuries. Around 1450 AD, the revered Pir Khan Jahan Ali, along with twelve other saints, established a centre in Murali to promote Islam. This centre gradually developed into Murali Kasba, a significant town that would later form the heart of Jashore. By 1555, the Jashore Kingdom was founded, covering areas of present-day Jashore, Khulna, Bongaon, and parts of Kushtia and Faridpur.
In 1747, the territory came under the rule of Queen Bhavani of Natore. Eventually, in 1781, Jashore emerged as a separate district, a status that was later reinforced with the establishment of Jashore Municipality in 1864. Over the centuries, the district has developed a strong tradition of education and public services. Notable establishments include the Jashore Zilla School, founded in 1838, and the Jashore Public Library, opened in 1851. These institutions contributed significantly to the intellectual and cultural growth of the region.

During the 20th century, Jashore experienced major infrastructural advancements. The construction of Jashore Airport and the establishment of rail links connecting Kolkata and Khulna helped integrate the district into regional trade networks. Jashore's strategic and patriotic significance was underscored during the Liberation War of 1971, when it became the first district in Bangladesh to be freed from Pakistani occupation forces.

Education has remained a cornerstone of Jashore's development. Since 1963, the district has hosted the Jashore Education Board, which oversees educational institutions in the region. More recently, Jashore has emerged as a hub for information technology in southern Bangladesh, with the establishment of the Jashore IT Park, the largest IT facility in the area. The district's airport, besides serving civilian needs, functions as a critical base for the Bangladesh Air Force. It is unique in the country as the only airport where all airmen are trained in aviation operations.

Economically, Jashore thrives due to the presence of Benapole Land Port in Sharsha Upazila, the largest and most important border port in Bangladesh. Facilitating a majority of trade between Bangladesh and India-especially with Petrapole on the Indian side-Benapole plays a pivotal role in customs revenue collection. Many locals earn livelihood through import-export businesses, customs clearing operations, and associated trade services.

The district's commercial hub, Nawapara, hosts numerous local and regional enterprises, industries, and factories. In addition to land-based trade, Jashore participates actively in waterway commerce, contributing substantially to the national economy.
As Bangladesh approaches its 13th Jatiya Sangsad election, political fervour is sweeping across the south-western district of Jashore. Historically known as a hub of culture, trade, and education, Jashore is now witnessing heightened political activity in all four of its constituencies. With the dominant Awami League (AL) stepping back following the August 5 student-led upheaval, the spotlight has shifted to opposition parties, primarily the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, along with other parties like National Citizen Party (NCP), Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis (BKM), and Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB).

The upcoming national elections promise to further shape Jashore's political profile. With intense nomination battles in constituencies like Jashore-1 and active campaigning by multiple parties, the district is witnessing a political awakening reminiscent of its historical significance. For Jashore, the intertwining of history, economy, and politics continues to define its unique place in Bangladesh's national narrative.

JASHORE-1: This constituency covers Sharsha Upazila.
This parliamentary area consisting of one municipality and 11 union councils has historically been AL stronghold.
In the past 12 elections, the AL has won nine times including three fake elections, BNP three times, and Jamaat-e-Islami once. Some uncontested elections during the AL's rule and the 15 February election during BNP's tenure are also notable in the constituency's electoral history. Elections under former military ruler H.M. Ershad, including controversial "Saheb-Bibi-Golam" elections, are also part of the record.

Ahead of upcoming national election, Jamaat-e-Islami announced its candidate early, while BKM declared its nominee on August 8. The IAB has also officially announced its candidate. However, BNP has not yet finalised its candidate list, making the situation complex. At least five prominent BNP leaders are currently in contention for nomination, and the party has emphasised that once a candidate is chosen, all supporters will rally behind them. Party insiders suggest that a single nominee will ultimately represent BNP in the election, with the final decision being a strategic "last-minute" move.
This election cycle is markedly different. Following the student-led uprising on August 5, the AL stepped back, and the party's activities were suspended due to charges of human rights violations. Consequently, the political dynamics in Jashore-1 have shifted, leaving BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami as the primary contenders.

Jamaat's candidate, Maulana Azizur Rahman, a Central Committee Member, previously contested this constituency in 2008. Party workers have been actively campaigning on his behalf, employing strategies ranging from public rallies to online promotions. Maulana Azizur Rahman emphasised that their campaign is focused on educating voters about their responsibilities and the party's agenda, while also striving to foster unity among residents regardless of political, religious, or social affiliations. He noted that promoting cohesion would reduce violent incidents and contribute to national peace.
The BKM has nominated Maulana Mahabubur Rahman, the party's Sharsha Upazila President. IAB's candidate is Bakhtiar Hossain, also Upazila President.

The BNP has several contenders for Sharsha nomination, including former central office secretary and ex-MP Mofiqul Hasan Tripti, Sharsha Upazila BNP President Hasan Zahir, General Secretary Nuruzzaman Liton, former Upazila president Khairuzzaman Madhu, and former central leader Mohasin Kabir. Reports suggest that the final contest will primarily be among Mofiqul Hasan Tripti, Hasan Zahir, and Nuruzzaman Liton.

Mofiqul Hasan Tripti enjoys strong grassroots support, having overseen several developmental initiatives during BNP's tenure. He also contested the 2018 elections but withdrew due to alleged electoral irregularities. Hasan Zahir has also maintained close ties with grassroots supporters, having been elected Union Council chairman twice.

Nuruzzaman Liton, a young and popular leader, is influential in the northern parts of Sharsha. Before becoming Upazila BNP general secretary, he led the student and volunteer wings of the party, building a robust network of activists. Meanwhile, former Sharsha BNP president Khairuzzaman Madhu and Mohasin Kabir have not remained active in the constituency's politics.

JASHORE-2: This constituency comprises Jhikargachha and Chowgachha upazilas.
It has long been a constituency with colourful local narratives.
Over the years, some locals have humorously referred to it as a seat "reserved for guests," while others allege that the ruling party in recent terms used it as a quota to reward loyal associates. Since Bangladesh's independence, many elected representatives from this constituency have been jokingly called "imports" by locals, implying outsiders or party-favoured candidates. Whether the same will happen in the upcoming election remains to be seen, but voter engagement in Jhikargacha and Chowgacha has already started to rise.

At present, six BNP leaders are actively engaged with voters. They are visiting communities, understanding local needs, and providing assistance where possible. Party insiders believe, however, that the contest for the BNP nomination will ultimately narrow to two key figures: Sabira Nazmul Munni, former chairman of Jhikargacha Upazila Parishad and Upazila BNP President, and Mizanur Rahman Khan, President of the Jashore Chamber of Commerce and former joint general Secretary of Jashore District BNP.
Other potential BNP aspirants include Advocate Mohammad Ishak, former chairman of Jashore Municipality and ex-president of the Jashore District Lawyers' Association; Jahurul Islam, former president of Chowgachha Upazila BNP; Mortuza Elahi Tipu, former president of Jhikargachha Upazila BNP; and Imran Hasan Samad Nipun, General Secretary of Jhikargachha Upazila BNP.

Meanwhile, Jamaat has refreshed its candidate line-up. Initially, the party had nominated Maulana Arshadul Alam, a local resident and Assistant Professor at Jhikargachha Gazi Dargah Madrasa. However, months later, the party replaced him with Dr. Mosleh Uddin Farid, a UK-based paediatric cardiologist and intensive care specialist who returned home upon receiving the nomination. Dr. Farid hails from a prominent Jashore family; his father, late Professor Sharif Hossain, was a leading figure in the government college's library movement, and Dr. Farid was born in the city's Kharki area. Jamaat's grassroots network has been actively campaigning for him through public meetings, online outreach, and community engagement.

BKM has also announced its candidate, Maulana Kamal Hossain, a former secretary of the Jashore District Committee. IAB is considering Idris Ali Master, a leader from the National Teachers' Council, as a potential candidate. The NCP, while expressing intent to contest, is yet to finalise its candidate due to ongoing organizational restructuring in the district.

JASHORE-3: This constituency covers Sadar Upazila of the district.
The seat has emerged as another high-stakes battleground.
BNP's sole candidate for the constituency is Anindya Islam Amit, son of former minister Tariqul Islam, who previously represented this seat in the 6th and 8th Jatiya Sangsad elections. Amit currently serves as the Acting Divisional Organizational Secretary for Khulna Division and has taken the lead in both organizational politics and election campaigning.
Amit is focused on reviving the political prestige of the constituency, which has seen diminished influence over the years. Widely respected at the grassroots level across the Khulna Division, he has earned a strong reputation for supporting BNP activists during challenging periods under Hasina's administration. His deep connections with local communities and long-standing political engagement make him a prominent figure in the upcoming electoral contest.

Amit stated, "We want to bring back the political beauty of Jashore, restore its lost glory, and foster personal and social coexistence. Following the downfall of the AL on August 5, BNP has consistently shown as much generosity as possible."
He assured that all BNP leaders and activists are ready to work diligently to ensure the victory of the party's chosen nominee, under the guidance of Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman.

Jamaat-e-Islami's candidate for this seat is Abdul Kader, former vice-president of Jashore Government MM College and currently a garments businessman who spends much of his time in Dhaka. Ahead of the elections, he has returned to Jashore, focusing on organizational work, public relations, and social outreach. Kader remarked, "There has been no political practice in Jashore over the past 16 years. We are ready to restore the lost glory and rebuild Jashore, opposing divisions and conflicts."
Other contenders include Khalid Saifullah Jewel, Central Convening Committee Member of NCP, Hafiz Abdullah of BKM, and Maulana Sowaib Hossain, Central Industry and Commerce Affairs Secretary of IAB.

Khalid Saifullah Jewel said, as a son of Jashore Sadar area, he wants to contest from this seat. However, nothing can be said until the final decision is made from the party.

JASHORE-4: This constituency incorporates Bagharpara and Abhoynagar upazilas along with Basundia Union of the Sadar Upazila.
The parliamentary constituency is witnessing a tense battle within the BNP over party nominations for the upcoming national election.

Discussions with locals reveal that the central election issue has shifted from traditional policy debates to the internal question of who will secure the BNP nomination, as the choice is considered pivotal for the constituency's political future.

The rivalry is primarily between Engineer T.S. Ayub, Central Executive Committee Member of BNP and Senior Joint Secretary of the party's Central Krishak Dal, and Farazi Motiar Rahman, President of BNP's Abhaynagar Upazila unit. Both leaders are fiercely contesting to become the BNP's candidate.

Although most observers see these two as the main contenders, local sources indicate that there are more layers of political manoeuvring beneath the surface. Reports suggest that the number of BNP aspirants for the nomination may increase, making it difficult to predict who will ultimately represent the party in the constituency.

Meanwhile, Jamaat is closely monitoring BNP's internal conflicts and hopes to capitalise on them to gain a foothold in the constituency. Since the fall of the AL government on August 5, District Ameer of Jashore Jamaat Professor Golam Rasul has been actively touring the constituency. The party is pursuing a strategy that leverages the absence of the AL in the area, seeking to strengthen its organizational presence and influence local voters. Consequently, a unique and competitive electoral scenario is emerging in Jashore-4 well before the election day.

Several other political parties have already declared their candidates for this constituency. BKM has nominated Ashiq Ilahi, while IAB has fielded Advocate Bayezid Hossain, the party's Joint General Secretary of the Central Lawyer Council. Additionally, names like Iqbal Kabir Zahid, Central General Secretary of Bangladesh Revolutionary Communist League, Advocate Zahurul Haque Zahir, Legal adviser to the Jatiya Party Chairman, and Sukriti Kumar Mondal, President of Bangladesh Minority Janata Party (BMJP), are also being discussed as potential contenders.

Among the aspirants, Engineer T.S. Ayub appears to hold the edge. He previously contested the 2008 parliamentary election under the "Sheaf of Paddy" symbol and narrowly lost to AL candidate Ranjit Roy by just 5,000 votes. In 2018, he ran again under the same symbol but faced an electoral process widely criticised as manipulated by the AL, which hindered both him and his supporters from campaigning effectively. Despite these setbacks, Ayub has remained highly active in local politics for many years, earning him recognition across party lines. However, he now faces significant opposition from a faction within his own party.

The challenge comes from Farazi Motiar Rahman, BNP's Abhaynagar Upazila President, former Central Executive Committee member, Senior Co-chairman of Nationalist Workers Party, and Vice-Chairman of the Central Textile Workers Party. Rahman has openly demanded a candidate from Abhaynagar, arguing that BNP has never fielded a nominee from this upazila since the party's establishment. He has also been mobilising local activists to support his cause, attempting to consolidate grassroots support.

Another aspirant, Advocate Nure Alam Siddiqui Sohag, Joint Convener of the BNP's Dhaka Metropolitan South unit and Assistant Attorney General, has officially announced his candidacy. He made his announcement during a press interaction at a prestigious hotel in Jashore, signalling his serious intent to compete in the party's nomination race.

Jamaat has been leveraging BNP's internal discord and the absence of the AL to strengthen its position. Professor Golam Rasul has actively pursued a "boots-on-the-ground" strategy, establishing party structures, building relationship with constituents, and offering assistance to local communities. Regular meetings with leaders and local committees, along with outreach programmes targeting various social classes, are all part of the party's carefully planned campaign.

JASHORE-5: The constituency encompasses Manirampur Upazila.
Locals note that this seat has witnessed communal incidents in the past, many attributed to AL affiliates. In particular, former upazila chairman and two-time MP Swapna Bhattacharya and his family allegedly exploited minority communities financially while marginalising them socially.

These dynamics influenced the 2024 by-election, where a coalition of independent voters successfully supported SM Yakub Ali against the combined forces of the AL and government, suggesting potential repercussions for the upcoming elections.
Observers suggest that if BNP contests alone, at least six leaders could emerge as potential candidates. However, if BNP decides to participate in a coalition, the seat may be allocated to a partner party, potentially allowing Jamaat's candidate to contest under the BNP symbol. Regardless of the scenario, Jamaat has maintained a steady organisational presence in the constituency.

Among the frontrunners in the BNP nomination race is Shahid Iqbal Hossain, President of the Upazila Committee. He previously served as general secretary of the Thana Committee and has held positions as chairman of Monirampur Sadar Union and twice chairman of Monirampur Municipality.

Shahid Iqbal Hossain's main rival is Mohammad Mushar, former Upazila Parishad chairman, ex-member of the District Committee, and former president of the Upazila Committee. Like Hossain, Mushar has strong grassroots connections and continues to mobilise local voters in pursuit of the nomination.

Other BNP aspirants include Munir Ahmed Siddiqui Bacchu, leader of the Ershad Opposing Student Movement and son of former MP Afsar Ahmed Siddiqui; Iftikhar Selim Agni, former student leader and now central leader of the volunteer wing; and Advocate Asaduzzaman Mintu, general secretary of the Upazila BNP.

The name of Mufti Abdur Rashid, Senior Joint Secretary of the central committee of Jamaat-e-Ulema Bangladesh and son of the late Mufti Muhammad Wakkas, a three-time MP from this constituency, has also emerged in discussions. With his family's long-standing political legacy, Rashid could significantly influence the nomination dynamics.

Meanwhile, Jamaat maintains a strong and independent campaign strategy. Advocate Gazi Enamul Haque, a District Council Member and widely recognised poet, writer, and Islamic speaker, has been fielded as the party's candidate. He previously contested the 2014 Upazila Parishad election under challenging conditions but managed to secure significant voter support despite AL dominance. Jamaat sources indicate that the party's organisational preparations for the upcoming election are already complete, with ongoing activities strictly following the planned schedule.

IAB has nominated Zainal Abedin Tipu Master, Principal Adviser of the Monirampur Upazila Committee, while Khilafat Majlis has nominated Upazila Committee President Maulana Tabibur Rahman from the seat. The National Democratic Party (Jagpa) has nominated Nizamuddin Amit, Presidium Member and District President, who also contested in 2018.

JASHORE-6: This constituency covers Keshabpur Upazila.
This seat consists of 11 unions and one municipality, with 217,924 registered voters. Its boundary has been redrawn multiple times, leaving a significant impact on the results of the 12 parliamentary elections held here.

The constituency is witnessing early election activities as the national polls approach.
While Jamaat-e-Islami appears confident with a single candidate and is preparing in full swing, BNP finds itself in disarray due to a crowded field of nomination seekers. Since the political shift of August 5, new electoral equations have emerged, particularly for this seat where long-time allies-turned-rivals BNP and Jamaat are both determined to reclaim lost ground.
Observers believe that in addition to party loyalty, the personal image of the candidates will play a crucial role. The nominee who can appeal across party lines and reach the broadest section of voters is expected to hold the advantage. Local voters note that a wise nomination decision by the parties could bring them electoral dividends.

Among the hopefuls are BNP's Central Assistant Secretary for Religious Affairs Amolendu Das Opu, and Keshabpur BNP President and Central Executive Committee Member Abul Hossain Azad. Apart from these two, the name of former Central Chatra Dal president and Central BNP Executive Committee Member Kazi Rawnakul Islam Shraban is also being heard.

From Jamaat, Keshabpur Upazila Ameer Professor Moktar Ali has already been declared as the sole candidate. Other political parties are yet to put forward names.

The fall of Hasina's government on August 5 altered the political landscape dramatically. For the first time in years, BNP and Jamaat-once coalition partners-may directly confront each other in this constituency. Both parties are now trying to expand their appeal beyond traditional bases, meaning that candidate personality and credibility could determine the outcome as much as party affiliation.

With Jamaat consolidating its forces and BNP yet to resolve its candidate puzzle, the stage is set for a high-stakes showdown. The final outcome may well hinge on nomination strategy, personal credibility, and the shifting dynamics of post-August 5 politics.