NARSINGDI, a district in central Bangladesh, is renowned for its rich tapestry of culture, industry, and natural beauty. Located just 50 kilometres northeast of Dhaka, it has earned national recognition for several reasons-most notably its thriving textile industry, historical significance, and strategic political importance.
Narsingdi is often dubbed the "Manchester of Bangladesh" due to its booming handloom and power loom sectors. The district is a major hub for producing high-quality sarees, lungis, and other garments, especially in areas like Baburhat and Shekherchar. These products are distributed across the country and even exported abroad, making Narsingdi a vital contributor to Bangladesh's economy. Thousands of families are engaged in weaving, dyeing, and trading, and the local markets bustle with textile commerce year-round.
Geographically, Narsingdi is blessed with the flow of several major rivers, including the Meghna, Old Brahmaputra, Arial Khan, and Kankon. These rivers not only enrich the soil for agriculture but also shape the district's identity as a "land of rivers." The fertile plains support the cultivation of rice, jute, sugarcane, and vegetables, sustaining both local consumption and trade. The scenic beauty of these waterways adds to Narsingdi's charm, attracting visitors and photographers alike.
The district has deep historical roots, with archaeological evidence suggesting links to ancient civilizations. The name "Narsingdi" is believed to be derived from the Hindu deity Narasingha, and the region has long been a melting pot of religious and cultural diversity. Historic mosques, temples, and colonial-era structures dot the landscape, reflecting its layered past. Cultural organisations and festivals continue to thrive, preserving traditions while embracing modernity.
With the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election approaching, the political landscape of this district is buzzing. Election banners, rallies, and processions are now common sights here, signalling a renewed political energy. Candidates are pledging infrastructure development, improved law and order, and social welfare reforms-issues that resonate deeply with the district's diverse population. With veteran politicians, new-generation leaders, and Islamic party candidates all vying for prominence, the district is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched battlegrounds in the upcoming national polls.
NARSINGDI-1: The constituency encompasses all but three union parishads of Narsingdi Sadar Upazila.
It has 441,436 registered voters, including 226,739 male, 214,690 female, and 7 third-gender voters.
A number of heavyweight opposition figures are expected to contest in this seat. Veteran leader of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Khayrul Kabir Khokon, a former MP and prominent voice within the party, is among the leading aspirants. He is expected to be joined by Harun-or-Rashid (Harun), son of late four-time MP Shamsuddin Ahmed Ishak and currently Vice-President of the District BNP.
Md. Ibrahim Bhuiyan has been nominated as the MP candidate of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami for the upcoming national election. The party's Policy Making Forum officially announced his name as the candidate recently, a reliable source within Jamaat confirmed.
According to the source, Md. Ibrahim Bhuiyan previously served as the branch manager of Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited in Narsingdi District and later held the position of Senior Vice-Chairman of the bank. He is currently the President of the Professional Wing of District Jamaat.
Maulana Shawkat Hossain Sarkar, appointed as the President of Hefazat-e-Islam's District unit, has recently announced candidacy from the Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB).
Meanwhile, Advocate Shirin Akhter Shely, Joint Convener of the National citizen Party (NCP) and a social worker, has declared her intention to contest, hoping to represent a new political alternative in the constituency.
While the final line-up will be confirmed only after the election schedule is announced, sources indicate that all major parties may reconsider their candidates depending on alliance negotiations and electoral strategies.
NARSINGDI-2: The constituency incorporators Palash Upazila and three union parishads of Narsingdi Sadar Upazila: Amdia, Meher Para, and Panchdona.
The constituency has 269,253 registered voters, including 137,778 male, 131,472 female, and 3 third-gender voters.
The political temperature in this seat is particularly high. Here, BNP, Jamaat, NCP, IAB, Jamiate Ulema Islam, and Khelafat Majlis have all become active in the field. At the centre of discussion stands Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, BNP Standing Committee Member, former minister, and ex-MP, who remains one of the district's most influential figures.
Party insiders say that during BNP's time in power, Dr. Moyeen Khan initiated several development projects in Palash, earning him strong grassroots support. Now, backed by enthusiastic local leaders and activists, he has resumed campaign activities in anticipation of nomination as BNP's sole candidate for the seat.
Other parties are also preparing to contest. Jamaat has declared Maulana Amjad Hossain, a member of its Central Majlis-e-Shura.
Sarwar Hossain Tushar, Joint Convener of the NCP, is likely to be a strong candidate from this seat.
Engineer Mohsin Ahmed, a local industrialist, will run for the IAB while Mufti Abdur Rahim Qasemi, District President of Jamiate Ulema, is also in the race.
The multi-party competition in this constituency is expected to be fierce, with BNP aiming to reclaim its past influence while the Islamist bloc seeks to expand its voter base.
NARSINGDI-3: This constituency covers Shibpur Upazila.
There are a total of 263,723 registered voters in the area, including 133,751 men, 129,971 women, and one third-gender voter.
The nomination race is equally lively here. From BNP, District Vice-President Tofazzal Hossain Master, General Secretary Monjur Elahi, Central Executive Committee Member and former general secretary of the Chatra Dal Akramul Hasan Mintu are key contenders. Abul Haris Rikabdar, President of the Upazila BNP, and Ariful Islam Mridha representing the Mannan Bhuiyan Parishad as an independent candidate, are also in the field.
Jamaat-e-Islami has declared Mostafizur Rahman Kawser, Ameer of the party's Shibpur Upazila unit, as its candidate.
Abdullahil Mamun Niloy, a Central Committee Member, is expected to contest in the election from the NCP.
From the IAB, Maulana Wayeze Hossain Bhuiyan, Central Vice-President of Islami Sramik Andolan (workers wing of IAB), will run as a candidate.
NARSINGDI-4: The constituency includes Belabo and Manohardi upazilas.
The total number of registered voters in this seat is 402,610, including 199,781 men, 202,827 women, and two third-gender voters.
Located in the northern part of the district, the constituency-renowned as an educational hub-holds strategic political importance.
Although BNP is yet to finalise its nomination, three potential candidates are actively campaigning, engaging in an organised and competitive effort to strengthen their grassroots base. Through continuous public interactions, worker meetings, and community programmes, they are striving to solidify their individual positions ahead of the party's final decision.
Among the frontrunners, Bir Muktijoddha Sardar Shakhawat Hossain Bakul, a former MP and Senior Vice-President of the District BNP, stands out as a popular contender. Known for his experience, wartime legacy, and strong ties with both party activists and the general electorate, Bakul is seen as a trusted leader. His long political career and loyal support from local BNP and affiliated bodies across two upazilas have further bolstered his candidacy. Local political observers believe his grassroots acceptability gives him an edge in the nomination race.
Another prominent name is Lt. Col. (Retd) Zainal Abedin, BNP's National Executive Committee Member and Liberation War Affairs Secretary. A decorated freedom fighter, Zainal is appealing to voters through his record of patriotism and service to the nation. His leadership during BNP's challenging years has earned him respect within the party ranks. Recently, he has been seen presenting BNP's 31-point reform agenda-announced by Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman-at several grassroots meetings, positioning himself as a disciplined and visionary candidate committed to restoring democratic governance.
The third strong contender, Abdul Kader Bhuiyan Jewel, Assistant Secretary for Volunteer Affairs in BNP and a former president of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, represents the new generation of leadership. Campaigning under the slogan "Let the youth's first vote go to BNP", Jewel is focusing on mobilising young voters. His energetic campaign combines traditional public meetings with extensive use of social media, door-to-door visits, and courtyard discussions. Party insiders describe him as a rising leader capable of bridging the generational gap within BNP.
Meanwhile, Maulana Md. Jahangir Alam, district Assistant Secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami is seen as another formidable contender. As the lone candidate of his party in this constituency, his organizational network and past visibility-he previously served as an elected vice-chairman during an Awami League (AL) administration-may give him an additional advantage. His ongoing efforts to reinforce his position across the constituency have been noted, although political analysts say the overall scenario remains fluid and dependent on future alliances among Islamist parties.
Other Islamic parties are also making their presence felt. Maulana Md. Saifullah Pradhan, Manohardi Upazila President of IAB and Maulana Md. Nasir Al Faridi, Belabo Upazila President of Khelafat Majlis have both begun individual campaigns. Discussions are underway about the possibility of a united Islamic alliance, which could substantially strengthen their electoral influence.
Within BNP, enthusiasm and curiosity continue to grow over who will ultimately secure the party's nomination. All three leading aspirants-Bakul, Zainal, and Jewel-are following Tarique Rahman's 31-point roadmap, engaging the public with issue-based politics and pledges of reform.
Party insiders expect the final nomination decision to come from the BNP high command at the appropriate time. Until then, the three contenders are racing to expand their reach and visibility among voters.
As the contest intensifies, one thing is clear: in the absence of the AL, Narsingdi-4 has emerged as a crucial battleground for the BNP and its ideological allies-where the competition remains active, disciplined, and highly unpredictable.
NARSINGDI-5: This constituency covers Raipura Upazila.
It has a total of 455,297 registered voters, including 234,096 men, 221,187 women, and 14 third-gender voters.
Enriched by the flow of four major rivers - the Meghna, the Old Brahmaputra, the Arial Khan, and the Kankon - Raipura is often described as the "land of rivers" in Narsingdi District. The constituency includes 24 unions and one municipality and features six railway stations within its boundary.
Over the decades, this vast and strategically significant constituency has seen shifting political tides. While it has largely remained a stronghold of the AL in recent years, history tells a more competitive story. In 1988, Moin Uddin Bhuiyan of the Jatiya Party (JaPa) was elected as Member of Parliament. The BNP then captured the seat twice - in the 1991 and 1996 elections - through its candidate Abdul Ali Mridha.
Since then, the AL's veteran leader Rajiuddin Ahmed Raju has held the seat for seven consecutive terms, keeping it under the party's firm control until the downfall of Sheikh Hasina's government.
Within the BNP, at least six aspirants are vying for nomination. They have been organising grassroots campaigns, attending local events, and reactivating the party's dormant networks. Among them, Engineer Ashraf Uddin Bokul, the party's Assistant Secretary for Science and Technology Affairs and an adviser to Amra BNP Paribar, contested the 2018 election with the 'Sheaf of Paddy' symbol.
Confident about securing the nomination again, Bokul said, "I was on the streets before, and I still am. I never fled the movement. During the AL regime, it was difficult even to hold a meeting or distribute posters, yet I continued working for the party and its imprisoned activists. Now, many fair-weather politicians are coming forward for nominations, but I was there during the hard times."
Another key contender is Jamal Ahmed Chowdhury, Vice-President of the District BNP and former member of the party's Executive Committee. He contested the 2008 election under the BNP-led four-party alliance and reportedly received one of the highest vote counts for the 'Sheaf of Paddy' symbol in greater Dhaka District.
"I have always stood by the party," said Jamal Chowdhury. "If nominated and elected, my priorities will be improving law and order situation in Raipura and constructing the long-demanded Meghna Bridge to boost connectivity in the char areas." He also recalled suffering severe spinal injuries during a police attack on a procession during Khaleda Zia's 2013 visit.
Mohsin Hossain Bidyut, Senior Joint General Secretary of District BNP and President of Jubo Dal, is also seeking nomination from his party.
Other potential BNP nominees include District BNP's Organising Secretary Rafiqul Amin Bhuiyan Ruhel; Dhaka Metropolitan Muktijoddha Dal General Secretary and former Raipura BNP president MN Zaman; District BNP's Local Government Affairs Secretary Jahangir Alam Badal; former Jatiyatabadi Chatra Dal general secretary and BNP Executive Committee Member Iqbal Hossain Shyamal.
Jahangir Alam Badal, confident about his chances, noted that a primary and a high school after his name exist in the area, reflecting his contribution to local education. "If I get the nomination," he said, "I will prioritise building embankments to prevent river erosion, expanding gas connections, and improving education and social safety systems."
While the BNP's internal race continues, Jamaat-e-Islami has also stepped up its visibility in Raipura. Maulana Mohammad Jahangir Alam, Ameer of the party's Raipura Sadar unit, has been nominated as Jamaat's candidate for the upcoming election. He is actively campaigning across the constituency, engaging with voters and seeking their support. His efforts reflect Jamaat's commitment to strengthening its presence and influence in the region.
From the NCP, Central leader Abdullah Faisal, is expected to contest the election. However, so far, he has not been seen conducting any visible public outreach in the area.
IAB is very much active. Maulana Badruzzaman, Executive Director of the popular religious-cultural organization Kolorob Shilpi Gosthi, is seeking nomination from the party. He has already conducted campaigns in several unions, engaging with voters and promising development initiatives.
