JHALAKATHI, a scenic district in southern Bangladesh, is known for its sprawling rivers, fertile lands, and rich cultural heritage, which not only enhance its natural beauty but also play a vital role in the livelihood of its residents. Located in the Barishal Division and bordered by Barishal, Pirojpur, Patuakhali, and Barguna districts, Jhalakathi has long served as an important hub for trade and agriculture in southern Bangladesh.
At the heart of the district lies its town, a charming river port and the administrative centre of the district. The town is situated on the northern bank of the Sugandha River and flanked by the Gabkhan Khal and Dhanshiri rivers, which historically made it a thriving centre of commerce. From ancient times, traders and merchants relied on these waterways to transport goods, establishing the town as a prominent business hub.
The district has a rich administrative history. Jhalakathi subdivision was created in 1972, shortly after Bangladesh gained independence, and it was elevated to full district status in 1984. According to the 2022 Census of Bangladesh, the district has 162,401 households with a population of 661,160, averaging 4.02 people per household.
Jhalakathi's fertile soil and extensive river networks make it ideal for agriculture. The district is particularly renowned for high-quality betel leaves, locally called "Paan", which are considered among the finest in the country. Generations of farmers have relied on betel leaf cultivation as a major source of income, and local markets and fairs continue to attract traders from across Bangladesh. In recent years, the district has also gained recognition for pears and winter vegetables, adding further economic significance to its agricultural sector.
The district's natural beauty is another draw. Lush green fields, flowing rivers, and gentle hills create a picturesque landscape that supports fishing, boating, and ecotourism. Rivers like the Bishkhali and Sugandha have historically served as trade routes and today offer scenic views for visitors seeking tranquillity.
Education and healthcare have also seen notable progress. The district hosts several schools, colleges, and vocational institutions that produce skilled professionals while local health initiatives have helped improve community welfare.
With the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election approaching, political activities in Jhalakathi are intensifying. Even before the official election schedule was announced, nomination hopefuls have begun active campaigning across the district's two constituencies. In the absence of the visible presence of Awami League (AL), the main electoral contest in both seats appears to be confined to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB) is also active in the district.
As the election season heats up, Jhalakathi stands at a crossroads of history, culture, and politics. Its rivers and fertile lands continue to sustain livelihoods, while its residents prepare to shape the district's political future.
JHALAKATHI-1: The constituency consists of Rajapur and Kathalia upazilas along the Bishkhali River.
This parliamentary area has 225,224 registered voters, including 114,511 men, 110,712 women, and one third-gender voter.
Historically, several heavyweight politicians have been elected from this seat and later served as ministers and state ministers, which gives the constituency special significance.
The seat has long been regarded as a BNP stronghold. This time, however, multiple BNP aspirants are in the race for the party nomination, creating intense internal competition. Political observers note that if Jamaat-backed independent candidate and IAB join hands, BNP could face a tough challenge even in its traditional base.
Meanwhile, confident of their chances, several BNP hopefuls have launched extensive campaigns. Among the key contenders are BNP Central Executive Committee's Religious Affairs Secretary Rafiqul Islam Jamal, New York South BNP President Habibur Rahman Salim Reza, former central assistant organizing secretary of Jatiyatabadi Chatra Dal Golam Azom Shaikat, former Constitution Reform Commission member and think tank leader Barrister M. Moyeen Alam Firozi, Colonel (Retd) Mostafizur Rahman, former vice-president of Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal Rafiq Hawlader, and Nationalist Research Centre President Engineer A.K.M. Rezaul Karim.
Interestingly, out of the eight BNP hopefuls, all except Rafiqul Islam Jamal are conducting joint campaign programmes and participating in party activities together - a rare show of unity within the party's grassroots.
On the Islamist front, Dr Faizul Haq, grandson of the revered religious leader Qaid Saheb Hujur and an online activist, is contesting as an independent candidate with open support from the District unit of Jamaat. He has already begun vigorous campaigning alongside local Jamaat activists.
The National Citizen Party (NCP) is yet to announce a candidate, but BNP's ally, Bangladesh Labour Party, has confirmed that its chairman, Dr Mostafizur Rahman Iran, will contest from this constituency.
The IAB has also announced its candidate for the seat - the party's District General Secretary Ibrahim Al Hadi.
Rafiqul Islam Jamal, who lost to AL candidate Bazlul Haque Harun in the 2008 polls as a BNP nominee, said he expects the party will recognise his contributions.
"I have faced imprisonment and persecution for standing firm against fascism and for supporting our activists during the party's hard times. I believe the party will now value my sacrifices," he said.
Habibur Rahman Salim Reza said, "If nominated, I will bring unprecedented development to Rajapur and Kathalia."
Former Chatra Dal leader Golam Azom Shaikat, who has spent two terms in jail, said, he was receiving strong public support this time. "I hope the party will nominate me for my dedication and sacrifices," he added.
Barrister Moyeen Alam Firozi said the seat currently suffers from a leadership crisis. "The people want a candidate with a clean image, and I believe I can meet that expectation," he said.
Colonel (Retd) Mostafizur Rahman, who joined BNP in September 2023 along with 25 other ex-army officers, said, "We were active during the July Movement. I hope the party will recognize my contribution."
Independent candidate Dr Faizul Haq said, he would contest with support from Jamaat and other Islamic parties. "I have always stood by the people of this area, providing scholarships to students and working for the community. If elected, I will promote harmony among all faiths," he said.
JHALAKATHI-2: The constituency comprises Jhalakathi Sadar and Nalchity upazilas.
This seat has 360,368 registered voters, including 182,637 men, 177,999 women, and two third-gender voters.
Here, too, BNP faces a similar scenario - at least eight aspirants are vying for the party nomination, while Jamaat and IAB have single candidate. The JaPa and left-leaning groups have no visible activity in the area.
Prominent BNP hopefuls include Dr S.M. Ziauddin Hyder Swapon, former World Bank health and nutrition specialist and current Adviser to the BNP Chairperson; Mahbubul Haq Nannu, BNP Assistant Organizing Secretary and former vice-president of Barishal BM College Student Union; former MP Israt Sultana Ellen Bhutto; Advocate Shahadat Hossain, Member Secretary of the District BNP and President of the Jhalakathi Bar Association; Zeeba Amina Al Gazi, Vice-President of Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal; and Barrister Zahirul Islam Sumon, central leader of the Nationalist Lawyers' Forum.
Dr Ziauddin Hyder, a former president of Barishal Medical College Chatra Dal, said he was not competing for nomination but would accept the party's decision. "If the high command thinks I am suitable, I am ready to contest," he said.
Mahbubul Haq Nannu, who has been jailed multiple times for his political activism, said, "If the party evaluates dedication and sacrifices, I'm hopeful about nomination."
Former MP Ishrat Sultana Ellen Bhutto, who defeated AL heavyweight Amir Hossain Amu in 2001, said, she remains confident of being nominated again.
"I believe I can bring victory to the party by a wide margin," she said.
Advocate Shahadat Hossain, a key figure in reorganising the District BNP, said he had faced multiple attacks and lawsuits during political unrest. "If the party values past struggles, I'm confident about getting the ticket," he added.
Zeeba Amina Al Gazi, who contested in 2018, said she faced repeated attacks and harassment but continued to stand by grassroots activists. "I believe the party will now reward that dedication," she added.
Barrister Zahirul Islam Sumon, a long-time BNP loyalist, said he would seek nomination, confident that his service during difficult times would be recognised.
From Jamaat-e-Islami, Neamul Karim, former AGS of Barishal BM College Student Union and Central Office Secretary of Islami Chhatra Shibir, has been nominated. He has already begun door-to-door campaigning across Sadar and Nalchity upazilas with support from party activists.
Although IAB is yet to formally announce its candidate, sources said its presidium member and noted preacher Dr Sirajul Islam Siraji, a former atheist turned Muslim scholar, has been engaging in active campaigning and meeting voters.
Political analysts say the absence of AL from the electoral scene could offer BNP an advantage in Jhalakathi . However, internal divisions and potential unity among Islamist parties may reshape the outcome.
"If Jamaat, IAB, and independent Islamic candidates coordinate, the electoral picture in this southern district could take a dramatic turn," said one local political observer.
