JOYPURHAT, a northern district of Bangladesh and part of the Rajshahi Division, is witnessing intensified political activity as the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election draws near. Major political parties like Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami are actively preparing for what is expected to be a highly competitive race.
Historically a stronghold of the BNP, the district has now become a focal point of growing political speculation, internal rivalries, and renewed voter enthusiasm-particularly among young voters who were unable to cast their ballots in the disputed elections of 2014, 2018, and 2024.
Campaigning has gained momentum across both Joypurhat-1 and Joypurhat-2 constituencies since early August. Local voters anticipate a fierce contest in Joypurhat-1 between BNP and Jamaat, while in Joypurhat-2, BNP's prospects hinge on whether it can overcome internal divisions and present a united front.
In both constituencies, around a dozen BNP nomination seekers have begun grassroots campaigning. Yet, internal party conflict remains a major issue. BNP in Joypurhat is essentially split into two factions-one led by Faisal Alim, son of late former minister Abdul Alim, and the other by District Convenor Golzar Hossain and Senior Joint Convenor Masud Rana Pradhan. These factions even operate from separate offices and often organize protest programmes independently.
The councils of Joypurhat Sadar Upazila and Joypurhat Municipality BNP were held under the leadership of the current district convening committee. However, after a long time, both factions participated in the BNP's massive rally on February 22.
Although the rally called for unity among all, divisions within the party remain, extending down to the upazila level among leaders and activists.
In Panchbibi Upazila, the party is also split into two factions. Panchbibi Upazila BNP President Saiful Islam Dalim and Secretary Abdul Hannan are followers of the current District Convening Committee. On the other hand, former chairman of Kusumba Union and former upazila BNP president Abdul Gafur Mondal is a follower of Faisal Alim. He has also informed this correspondent that he will seek nomination.
However, all leaders actively participated in the past movement to oust the Awami League (AL) government.
While the BNP juggles internal speculation over nominations, Jamaat has finalised its candidates and is conducting aggressive outreach in both constituencies. Party sources confirm that activist training, polling agent appointments, and other election preparations have already been completed.
JOYPURHAT-1: The constituency encompasses Joypurhat Sadar and Panchbibi upazilas.
Since 1991, this parliamentary constituency had been under BNP control. Even in 2008, BNP candidate Mozahar Ali Prodhan was elected as MP.
Already, six BNP leaders have announced their intention to seek party nomination for the seat. They are: District BNP Convener Golzar Hossain, Senior Joint Convener Masud Rana Prodhan, BNP Central Executive Committee Member Faisal Alim, prominent industrialist Anwarul Haque Anu, UK expatriate Tanzir Al Wahab, and former Panchbibi Upazila BNP president Abdul Gafur Mondal.
These leaders are trying to win the hearts of voters by participating in social events and conducting door-to-door campaigns.
Meanwhile, Jamaat has already declared its candidate and is continuing vigorous campaign activities. The party claims it is fully prepared for the election.
District BNP Convener Golzar Hossain confirmed that he is seeking nomination. A former district Chhatra Dal president and long-time Jubo Dal leader, he has been elected as a municipal councillor several times and has served as a panel mayor. He claims to have faced 15 years of repression, persecution, and lawsuits.
Masud Rana Prodhan, son of former MP Mozahar Ali Prodhan, is known as an active, liberal, and worker-friendly leader. He is tirelessly working in the field, maintaining good relations with people across party lines. A former Chhatra Dal district president, he has endured numerous lawsuits during the AL regime.
Faisal Alim, eldest son of former minister Abdul Alim and a Central Executive member of BNP, is also deeply engaged in campaign activities. Known as a prominent businessman, he was actively involved in the anti-Hasina movement. Party activists often highlight the long-standing contributions of his family to the BNP.
Another industrialist, Anwarul Haque Anu - former president of the Joypurhat Chamber of Commerce and son of renowned businessman and BNP leader Momtaz Uddin Mondal - has also expressed his desire for nomination. Known for his polite and clean image, he emphasises the need for a positive change in the current political culture and urges all citizens to contribute to the nation.
Tanzir Al Wahab, Joint General Secretary of the UK Lawyers Forum and a former District Chhatra Dal leader, has a strong presence in the field. His followers believe his candidacy could shift the dynamics. Meanwhile, persecuted leader Abdul Gafur Mondal has also confirmed his interest in seeking nomination. Each candidate is actively campaigning with their followers.
However, several BNP leaders and activists allege that many individuals who were inactive during the anti-government movement or affiliated with other parties are now posing as BNP loyalists. Some known AL associates are reportedly seeking shelter under BNP leaders.
Despite internal rifts, District BNP Convener Golzar Hossain said, "BNP is a big party with many leaders and activists. There may be disputes, but we are united about the election. Whoever the party nominates, we will all work together for their victory."
On the other side, Jamaat has already declared Dr. Fazlur Rahman Sayed, a Central Majlis-e-Shura member and the District Ameer, as their sole candidate. He has been conducting public campaigns for a long time. "We are fully prepared for the election," he said. "If a level playing field is ensured and a free, fair, and credible election is held, we will be victorious."
Sources say the National Citizen Party (NCP) may also field a candidate, though a final decision will be made after forming the upazila committee.
Dr. Zahurul Islam, a Shura member and Chief Adviser to the district branch of Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB), said that all Islamic parties will jointly participate in the upcoming 13th National Election. The IAB has nominated Maulana Abdul Wadud, District Unit President, as its candidate from this constituency.
In the last election, Dr. Moazzem Hossain was the candidate from the Jatiya Party (JaPa). This time, while JaPa's activities seem minimal, District President of this party Helal Uddin has confirmed to this reporter that he will run.
Although the Left Democratic Alliance (LDP) remains active through issue-based movements, it has yet to decide on participating in the upcoming election, said Ramzanuzzaman, General Secretary of the district unit of the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB). However, he has expressed interest in seeking the party's nomination for the constituency. Additionally, Bodiuzzaman Badi, President of the District CPB, is also vying for the nomination. Meanwhile, Professor Wazed Parvez, District Co-coordinator of Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal (BSD), is seeking nomination from his party as well.
From the AB Party, local Al-Hera School founder and former headmaster Sultan Mohammad Shamsuzzaman has announced his intention to contest.
JOYPURHAT-2: The constituency incorporates Akkelpur, Kalai and Khetlal upazilas.
In both the 1991 and 2008 elections, this constituency was held by the BNP. Advocate A.M. Khalilur Rahman won in 1991 while Engineer Golam Mostafa was elected as MP in 2008.
This time, several influential BNP leaders are seeking nomination from the party: BNP Central Executive Committee Member and former MP Engineer Golam Mostafa; BNP Rajshahi Divisional Joint Organizing Secretary Obaidur Rahman Chandan; former secretary Abdul Bari; Central Krishak Dal's Climate Affairs Secretary Lion Sirajul Islam Bidyut; former student leader and social activist Jahedul Alam Tito; prominent social worker Engineer Aminur Islam (CIP); former student leader Abbas Ali; former Central Chhatra Dal leader Nur Mohammad; and expatriate Aminur Islam.
All of these aspirants are actively campaigning across the constituency with their supporters, trying to connect with voters. BNP leaders and activists are closely watching to see who will ultimately secure the party's nomination from among these strong contenders.
On the other side, Jamaat's declared candidate, former Akkelpur Upazila Vice-Chairman S.M. Rashedul Alam Sabuj, is vigorously campaigning throughout the entire constituency. Jamaat claims it has already completed all preparations for the election.
Maulana Mohammad Nazmul Hasan Mahmud, General Secretary of the District IAB, has been nominated as the party's candidate from this constituency. He said, "If I am elected from this constituency, my foremost goal will be to implement the manifesto of IAB and to promote equality, human dignity, and social justice."
He added, "Previously, those who became MPs disappeared from the area after taking office and lived a luxurious life. If I am elected as a Member of Parliament, I will remain among the people and stand by them."
Abu Sayed Nurullah Masum is a potential candidate for JaPa in this constituency.
From the LDP, Professor Karima Khatun is campaigning with the intention of contesting the parliamentary election as the party's nominee.
Following the July uprising, many AL leaders and activists have gone into hiding, with several reportedly imprisoned. There are rumours that the JaPa, NCP, and LDP may also field candidates in the upcoming parliamentary elections, but no official announcements have been made yet.
Meanwhile, discussions continue about Islamic parties forming an alliance to contest together.
Currently, the BNP's nomination seekers and Jamaat's single candidate are both actively campaigning and conducting various organizational programmes across the constituency.
As election fever rises in Joypurhat, both constituencies stand poised for competitive battles that may shape the course of regional politics in the post-AL era.
