Khulna, once an industrial city, and most of the upazilas in coastal belt, is famous for world largest mangrove forest Sundarban and the Mongla Port, the country's second largest Sea port, are playing a role to advance country's economy since many decades.
Before the Liberation War, Khan-e-Sabur, an influential leader of East Pakistan Muslim League and the then central minister dominated the Khulna and adjacent areas and was the political landscape.
The Muslim League was faded after the great Liberation War and until August 15, 1975, it was dominated by the then Awami League (AL) leaders, and the Islamic nationalist political space has largely been filled by Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
After grabbing country's power, General Ershad formed Jatiya Party (JaPa); maximum constituencies of Khulna were grabbed by the JaPa leaders during 1986 and 1988 elections.
In 1991 and 2001 Member of Parliament (MP) elections, maximum seats were won by BNP and BNP-led alliance.
Once, protest slogans echoed: "Khulna's soil is BNP's strong hold." But the 1/11 military-backed government paved the way for authoritarianism to take root.
Since then, through general elections in 2008, five of the six parliamentary seats in Khulna fell into the hands of the AL. But the so called rigged election in 2014, 2018, and even 2024, AL grabbed all six seats.
However, the mass people's uprising of July-August in 2024 changed the equation, toppling the oppressive regime and opening the door to free politics.
The uncertainty around the election eased following the London visit of the interim government's Chief Adviser.
After August 5, 2024, most influential AL leaders in Khulna- ministers, MPs, and mayors, either disappeared or landed in prison.
Seizing the momentum, BNP's potential candidates have jumped into campaign mode, backed by strong grassroots support.
However, the party has not yet finalised its nominations, which causes internal tension. Most constituencies see two to eight candidates vying for nomination. These include former MPs, national executive committee secretaries, top local leaders, and even fresh former student and youth leaders.
Meanwhile, back in February, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami declared candidates in all six Khulna constituencies. Their line-up includes heavy weight contender Prof. Mia Golam Porwar, the party's Secretary General.
Jamaat has previously won multiple times in two constituencies. While results were poor in other seats, their strong organization and active campaigning this time fuel their confidence.
The JaPa, once a ruling coalition partner of the authoritarian Hasina regime, fielded candidates in all constituencies in the past, but is now largely deflated, with public sentiment strongly against them.
The Islami Andolan Bangladesh maintains a grassroots network in the district; it has shortlisted some candidates but yet to make formal announcements. Their leaders say a potential Islamic alliance could significantly shift the electoral balance.
The newly formed National Citizen Party (NCP), born out of the post -uprising environment, is still in organizational mode. Many youths have shown interest, but the party remains somewhat disorganized. Still, political observers believe any coalition hoping to win will need to either ally with or gain the support of NCP.
Khulna-1: The constituency encompasses Batiaghata and Dacope upazilas.
With a significant minority vote, this seat previously saw Amir Ejaz Khan, former BNP district convener, contest three times, gaining over one lakh votes in 2018. He remains confident of securing the nomination.
Other BNP contenders are Ziaur Rahman Papul, former DU student leader and current G M at Rural Electrification Board, Shamim Kabir and Sheikh Taiyebur Rahman, both former joint conveners of District BNP and Partha Deb Mandal, former DU Chhatra Dal leader.
Jamaat's declared candidate is Maulana Abu Yusuf, who is now actively campaigning in the area, while possible candidate of Islami Andolan is Maulana Abu Sayeed and NCP possible candidate is David Raju.
Khulna-2: The constituency includes Khulna Sadar and Sonadanga thanas.
A VIP constituency, Khaleda Zia herself contested here in 2001. Now three aspirants are vying for BNP nomination: They are Shafiqul Alam Mona, City BNP President, known for grassroots popularity, Shafiqul Alam Tuhin, City BNP General Secretary, and Nazrul Islam Manju, former MP and ex-City BNP president, although ousted but still actively organizing events.
Jamaat's declared candidate is Advocate Jahangir Hossain Helal, former city councillor and City Unit General Secretary of Jamaat, and possible candidate of Islami Andolan Maulana Abdul Awal.
Khulna-3: The constituency incorporates Khulna City Corporation wards 1 through 15, and two union parishads of Dighalia Upazila- Aronghata and Jogipole.
Rakibul Islam Bakul, BNP's National Student Affairs Secretary, is a strong contender here. Most of BNP's current local leadership is his allies. He also ran in 2018.
Other contender is Tariqul Islam, a former senior joint secretary of City Unit BNP.
Jamaat's declared candidate is Prof. Mahfuzur Rahman, possible candidate of Islami Andolan is Mufti Imran Hossain, and NCP's possible candidate is S M Arifur Rahman Mithu, former treasurer of City BNP.
Khulna-4: The constituency encompasses Rupsa and Terokhada upazilas, and all but two union parishads of Dighalia Upazila- Arongghata and Jugipole.
Azizul Bari Helal, former Chhatra Dal president, is a top BNP contender. Although he was denied nomination after 1/11, he's remained active and maintained a strong grassroots presence.
Other BNP contenders are Parvez Mallik, UK-based leader, and Sharif Shah Kamal Taj, former BNP nominee during military-backed polls.
Jamaat's declared candidate is Maulana Kabirul Islam, Nayeb-e-Ameer of Khulna District, while Islami Andolan candidate is Principal Yunus Ahmed.
Khulna-5: The constituency includes Dumuria and Phultala upazilas, Khan Jahan Ali Thana, Gilatala Cantonment, and Atra Gilatala Union.
Jamaat's declared candidate Prof. Mia Golam Parwar who was once elected MP in 2001, is now running again. Parwar remains well-connected with voters despite jail time and political hurdles.
BNP candidates, who are under-consideration, are Ali Asgor Lobi, former MP and ex-BCB president, re-entered politics by joining BNP programmes in May. His comeback created tension among other aspirants.
BNP's more possible candidates are Ibadul Haque Rubayed, convener of Jubo Dal in Khulna District, Shafi Mohammad Khan, former DU Chhatra Dal VP, Molla Mosharraf Hossain Mofiz, ex-local BNP convener, and Tiku Rahman, US-based politician.
Khulna-6: The constituency incorporates Koyra and Paikgachha upazilas.
A coastal constituency adjacent to the Sundarban, it's a Jamaat stronghold, where their declared candidate Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Assistant Director of Khulna Region and Member of Central Jamaat-e-Islami Working Committee, is actively campaigning here.
BNP's internal crisis is stark here, with too many aspirants. BNP's possible candidates are Moniruzzaman Montu, Convener of District BNP, S M Monirul Hasan Bappi, ex- member secretary of District Unit BNP, Advocate Momrezul Islam, Senior Joint Convener of District Unit Convening Committee, and Dr. Abdul Majid, Convener of Paikgachha Upazila Unit BNP.
Other BNP's possible candidates, who are gaining attention in the constituency and also actively campaigning, are Amirul Islam Kagozi, Director of Ziaur Rahman Foundation and Anwar Aldin, Chairman of BSS Directory Board and senior journalist.
Talking to The Daily Observer, BNP's Khulna City President Shafiqul Alam Mona said "As a major party, we have many strong contenders. But once the nominee is finalised, all will be united behind them. Since free elections have been absent for long, predicting outcome is tough-but I'm confident BNP will gain more seats in Khulna."
Jamaat leader Maulana Abul Kalam Azad stated "Our six declared candidates are campaigning actively. Decisions on alliances with other Islamic parties are still pending and depend on the official election schedule."
While talking to the Observer, NCP organizer Ahmad Hamim Rahat explains, "We're focused on getting the party registered. Candidate selection or campaigning hasn't started yet, but we believe NCP will be a factor in the upcoming polls."
Legal expert Advocate Nurul Hasan Ruba, said, "We need a truly neutral election to elect worthy MPs who can rebuild state institutions wrecked by fascism."
President of Greater Khulna Action Coordination Committee (GKDACC) Sheikh Ashrafuzzaman told Daily Observer, "Ten months have passed since the uprising, but critical reforms and justice processes haven't begun. Political parties are too focused on regaining power. Without structural reforms, the next election may drag us back a hundred years."
