With the national election days away, Rajshahi’s political arena has taken on a festive air, as candidates across all six constituencies intensify door-to-door campaigns to reach voters.
Discussions with voters at the grassroots and an assessment of the broader political context suggest the contest in the district is shaping up as a largely two-way fight.
Under the current equation, candidates from BNP appear to hold an advantage in three seats, while contenders from Jamaat-e-Islami are ahead in the remaining three.
However, observers say the decisive factors are likely to be the voting behaviour of Awami League supporters, women voters and young voters. Whichever candidate attracts the bulk of support from these three blocs is expected to gain the upper hand on polling day.
Seat-by-seat picture
Rajshahi-1 (Godagari–Tanore) has long been regarded as a BNP stronghold. The party has nominated retired Major General Sharif Uddin. While he benefits from the political legacy of his late brother Aminul Haque and another brother, M Enamul Haque, internal divisions and discontent among those denied nominations pose a significant challenge for BNP.
On the other side, Jamaat’s central naib-e-amir and former MP Mujibur Rahman is seen as a formidable contender. Many voters believe the Jamaat candidate currently holds a slight edge in what is shaping up as a heavyweight contest.
Rajshahi-2 (Sadar), comprising the Rajshahi City Corporation area, is expected to see a direct battle between BNP heavyweight and former mayor and MP Mizanur Rahman Minu, and Jamaat’s metropolitan naib-e-amir Mohammad Jahangir Hossain. Minu’s personal popularity and organisational strength give BNP a stronger position here compared with Jamaat.
Rajshahi-3 (Paba–Mohanpur) has five candidates in the race, but the main contest is between BNP’s Shafiqul Haque Milon and Jamaat’s Abul Kalam Azad. In terms of campaigning and organisational activity, Shafiqul Haque Milon is currently viewed as being clearly ahead.
Rajshahi-4 (Bagmara) features BNP candidate DM Ziaur Rahman Zia against Jamaat’s Abdul Bari Sardar. Voters point to Bari’s clean image as a medical professional, which has boosted his appeal, particularly among women voters, giving him a narrow advantage at this stage.
Rajshahi-5 (Puthia–Durgapur) has six candidates, but attention is focused on BNP’s Nazrul Islam Mondal and Jamaat’s Manzur Rahman. The presence of several BNP rebel candidates has raised fears of a split in the party’s vote, a factor that local voters believe has put the Jamaat candidate ahead in the race.
Rajshahi-6 (Bagha–Charghat) is shaping up as a tight contest between BNP Rajshahi district convener Abu Sayeed Chand and Jamaat’s Nazmul Haque. Although two other candidates are in the field, they are not seen as serious contenders. Overall assessments suggest Abu Sayeed Chand currently holds a slight lead.
