Former minister and Jatiya Party (JaPa) leader Anisul Islam Mahmud and Omar Faruq of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) have collected their nomination papers for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Elections in Chattogram-5 and Chattogram-14.
However, both candidates have remained largely inactive on the campaign trail, with minimal public engagement so far.
Chattogram-5 (Hathazari): Anisul Islam Mahmud keeps a low profile
Anisul Islam Mahmud, presidium member of the JaPa, is contesting from Chattogram-5, which includes Hathazari Upazila and parts of Chattogram city.
Historically a politically significant constituency, Chattogram-5 has witnessed intense rivalry between the BNP and the JaPa since the 1990s. The JaPa has maintained a strong position here, particularly since 2008. Anisul Islam Mahmud, who has been elected multiple times from this constituency, remains a prominent figure in national politics.
Despite officially entering the race, Anisul Islam Mahmud has not held rallies, public meetings, or other campaign activities. Some local voters speculate that he may step up campaigning closer to the election date, but his prolonged silence raises questions about its impact on voter behaviour.
The BNP has nominated Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin, divisional assistant organising secretary, as its candidate. Other individuals who have collected nomination papers include BNP Chairperson’s adviser SM Fazlul Haque and Shakila Farzana, daughter of the late BNP leader and former whip Syed Wahidul Alam.
Jamaat-e-Islami has nominated Professor Abdul Malek Chowdhury. The constituency has 4,72,108 registered voters.
Chattogram-14 (Chandanaish–Satkania): Omar Faruq follows father’s footsteps
Omar Faruq, son of LDP chairman and Colonel (retd) Oli Ahmed Bir Bikram, has collected his nomination for Chattogram-14, covering Chandanaish and parts of Satkania Upazilas.
The constituency has long been a stronghold of Colonel Oli Ahmed, who was elected here in 1991, 1996, and 2001. Even after leaving the BNP to form the LDP, Oli Ahmed retained significant influence locally.
However, both Omar Faruq and his father have shown limited activity in the election campaign. While local LDP leaders remain active at a smaller scale, the party’s competitiveness against major political forces remains uncertain.
Following news of Omar Faruq’s potential candidacy, several others have expressed interest in contesting the seat. The BNP has not yet announced an official candidate for Chattogram-14, although five party members – Md Iftikhar Hossain, Md Al Helal, MA Hashem Raju, Mohsin Zillul Karim, and Ejaz Ahmed Chowdhury – have collected nomination forms.
Jamaat-e-Islami has nominated Shahadat Hossain. The constituency has 3,08,424 registered voters.
