Cox’s Bazar, the country’s southernmost coastal district, is witnessing an unusually competitive parliamentary race as the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami contest separately for the first time in years.
Once a reliable stronghold of the BNP–Jamaat alliance, the district’s four constituencies are now shaping up for a tight battle, with many voters predicting a two–two split between the two parties in four seats of the district.
Early in the campaign, BNP appeared comfortably ahead across all four seats. But as polling day approaches, Jamaat’s organisational strength—particularly among women voters—has narrowed the gap. While BNP leaders claim they will secure all four seats, Jamaat leaders are equally confident of a clean sweep.
The importance of the district is reflected in high-profile campaigning. Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has visited Cox’s Bazar twice, while BNP’s central campaign is being led by Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed after party Charman Tarique Rahman’s planned visit was cancelled.
Although 18 candidates are contesting across the district, the real contest is between eight BNP and Jamaat candidates. Other parties, including Islami Andolan Bangladesh, the Jatiya Party and smaller groups, are seen as marginal players.
BNP retains a larger overall vote base and is banking on youth support and familiarity with its ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol.
However, allegations of extortion and land-grabbing involving some BNP activists after 5 August 2024 have dented the party’s image. Jamaat, meanwhile, has focused heavily on grassroots mobilisation, particularly door-to-door campaigning among women voters, which many believe could prove decisive.
Cox’s Bazar-1 (Chakaria–Pekua)
This seat remains BNP’s strongest bastion, largely due to the dominance of Salahuddin Ahmed, a senior BNP leader who has never lost an election here when allowed to contest. His development record and long political career have made him locally “invincible”.
Jamaat’s candidate, Abdullah Al Faruk, a young former student leader, has mounted an energetic campaign and gained attention, especially among women voters. While most expect Salahuddin to retain the seat, many believe the margin could be narrower than in previous elections.
Cox’s Bazar-2 (Maheshkhali–Kutubdia)
Traditionally Jamaat’s share under alliance politics, this island constituency is one of the most competitive. Jamaat’s AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad, a former MP, is seen as the frontrunner due to a strong organisational base and visible central backing.
BNP candidate Alamgir Muhammad Mahfuz Ullah Farid remains popular but is weakened by internal party divisions. In Kutubdia, a notable portion of BNP votes is expected to shift towards Jamaat, making this seat Jamaat’s strongest prospect.
Cox’s Bazar-3 (Sadar–Ramu–Eidgaon)
Despite boundary changes, this seat stayed with BNP for several terms. Former MP Lutfur Rahman Kajol is contesting again, with BNP appearing largely united behind him.
Jamaat candidate Shahidul Alam Bahadur is relying on organisational strength rather than personal popularity. While Jamaat hopes voter dissatisfaction with Kajol could work in its favour, most observers still expect BNP to hold the seat.
Cox’s Bazar-4 (Ukhia–Teknaf)
Often described as a bellwether constituency, Cox’s Bazar-4 is emerging as the most volatile. BNP’s strong candidate Shahjahan Chowdhury faces serious challenges due to allegations involving family members.
Jamaat has nominated Nur Ahmed Anwari, a highly popular union parishad chairman in Teknaf. Backed by strong local support and party organisation, Jamaat believes it has its best-ever chance to win this seat.
Historically, BNP won three of the district’s four seats in 2008, while Jamaat secured Cox’s Bazar-2 under alliance arrangements. With alliance politics now absent, Cox’s Bazar is poised for one of its most closely fought elections in decades.
