CUMILLA, situated on the banks of the Gumti River, is one of the largest and oldest districts of Bangladesh in terms of both area and population. Historically, Cumilla was one of the prominent cities of ancient Bengal and even served as the capital of the Tripura Kingdom.
Comprising 17 upazilas near the capital, the district is predominantly populated by nationalist and Islamist communities. Politically, it is divided into Cumilla North and Cumilla South districts. Originally consisting of 12 parliamentary seats, the district now has 11 constituencies-five in Cumilla North and six in Cumilla South. These seats were historically strongholds of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), while Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has consistently held influence over at least one seat.
The political dynamics of the district shifted significantly after the fall of the Awami League (AL) government on August 5 last year, following widespread student and public movements against discrimination.
In recent years, BNP's presence has weakened across nearly all constituencies in the district. Sensing an opportunity, Jamaat and National Citizen Party (NCP) are attempting to carve out influence from BNP's traditional base. More than 50 candidates, from heavyweight leaders to newcomers representing BNP, Jamaat, NCP, Gono Odhikar Parishad (GOP) and other Islamic parties, have declared their intentions to contest the upcoming national election.
As part of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election campaign, candidates have taken to the ground with a range of social and political initiatives. From organizing rallies and public meetings to door-to-door outreach, these candidates are leaving no stone unturned in engaging with voters across the district.
CUMILLA-1: The constituency, comprising Daudkandi and Meghna upazilas, lies along the Dhaka-Chittagong highway.
Since Independence, no party other than the BNP has managed to exert significant influence here in elections. From 1991 to 2006, the seat was held by the BNP under the leadership of Standing Committee Member and former minister Dr. Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain. Later, the AL retained the seat for about a decade and a half. However, since August 5 last year, the political equation in this constituency has begun to shift. This time, BNP's nomination seeker is Dr. Mosharraf's son, Khandaker Maruf Hossain, a member of the party's National Executive Committee.
Maruf Hossain, who was active in BNP's movement against the AL government, is now preparing to enter the electoral race as his father's health condition remains critical. Party leaders and activists say the BNP ticket has not yet been finalised, but given the circumstances, Maruf has stepped forward. "I will contest because my father is ill. This time, BNP leaders, activists, and ordinary people also want me," Maruf told this reporter.
Jamaat has already declared a candidate against the BNP in this seat. The party nominated Md. Moniruzzaman Bahlul, Ameer of Daudkandi Upazila, who is actively campaigning and building grassroots connections through various programmes.
Meanwhile, speculation is growing that Jamaat, NCP, and other Islamist parties may form an alliance to contest this constituency. Additionally, Maulana Bashir Ahmed, former president of Cumilla District (West) unit of Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB), has declared his candidacy and is seeking voter attention by organizing different programmes.
CUMILLA-2: The constituency incorporates Homna and Titas upazilas.
This seat was once a stronghold of BNP Standing Committee Member M.K. Anwar. After his death, BNP fielded Standing Committee Member Dr. Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain from here in 2018. There are widespread rumours that he may contest from this seat again.
Besides, BNP Central Committee Organizing Secretary (Cumilla Organizational Division) Principal Md. Selim Bhuiyan and party Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia's former APS Engineer MA Matin Khan are actively moving in the field to secure party tickets.
Abdul Gaffar, Joint Convener of Meghna Upazila BNP, said that although Dr. Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain was the last BNP candidate to be elected here, Principal Selim Bhuiyan has been very active ahead of the upcoming election. "However, we will work for whoever the party gives the Paddy Sheaf," he added.
Jamaat-e-Islami is also keen to win this seat. The party has already declared Nazim Uddin Mollah, a member of the Central Majlis-e-Shura and Chairman of the Homna-Meghna Unnayan Forum, as its candidate. His nomination has been finalised, and he is already ahead in the campaign.
Meanwhile, Engineer Ashraful Alam, Joint Secretary General of the Central Committee of IAB, is also working in the field. And even though the NCP has not yet announced its candidate, Trinamool leaders and activists believe a decision will be made soon.
CUMILLA-3: The constituency encompasses Muradnagar Upazila.
The seat is long regarded as the political base of former minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad. Locals often say, "Muradnagar's soil is Kaikobad's base." In terms of popularity and influence, Kaikobad is widely seen as the undisputed representative of this area.
BNP Vice-Chairman and former minister Kaikobad was a victim of political persecution during the AL government. Within BNP circles, there is strong speculation that Kaikobad will be the party's candidate in the upcoming national election. However, this time the political atmosphere around the seat is buzzing with rumours and uncertainty.
Reports suggest that Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan, one of the Coordinators of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, may emerge as the NCP candidate in Muradnagar. His father earlier hinted at such a possibility. Asif Mahmud currently serves as an Adviser to the interim government in the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
This development has already sparked visible tension between BNP and NCP activists in the area. Local sources report contradictory allegations being exchanged from both sides. Despite Muradnagar being considered a BNP stronghold, the NCP's growing presence has generated significant political debate.
Jamaat has declared Yusuf Hakim Sohel, a Member of its Cumilla North District Executive Committee and a familiar face in Muradnagar politics, as its candidate. Sohel, a former vice-chairman of Muradnagar Upazila Parishad, is now seeking to consolidate Jamaat's organizational base in the constituency.
With BNP's heavyweight Kaikobad, NCP's potential newcomer Asif Mahmud, and Jamaat's seasoned organizer Sohel in the field, Muradnagar is shaping up to be one of the most watched constituencies in the upcoming election.
CUMILLA-4: The constituency incorporates Debidwar Upazila, strategically located on the Cumilla-Sylhet highway.
Traditionally, Debidwar has been regarded as a stronghold of the BNP, with widespread grassroots support for the party's election symbol, the Sheaf of Paddy. However, this time, internal rifts and factionalism within the party threaten to weaken its dominance.
Former MP Manzurul Ahsan Munshi, his son Barrister Rizviul Ahsan Munshi, former Organizing Secretary of Cumilla North District BNP, and AFM Tarek Munshi, Member Secretary of the district unit, are all actively campaigning to secure BNP's nomination. Their parallel activities, however, have sparked fear of disunity in the party ranks.
Amid BNP's internal disputes, Hasnat Abdullah, Chief Organizer of the NCP's Southern Region, has emerged as a strong contender and the subject of growing discussion in the constituency. Local sources say there is a campaign suggesting he may secure NCP's nomination for the seat. Analysts observe that if BNP fails to resolve its internal conflicts, a section of its activists may shift their support towards Hasnat.
Meanwhile, Jamaat has formally entered the race by declaring Saiful Islam Shahid, Secretary of its Cumilla North District unit, as its candidate. He has already launched grassroots campaign and is engaging with voters through various programmes.
CUMILLA-5: The constituency includes Brahmanpara and Burichang upazilas.
Despite having a strong support base, BNP has struggled to capitalise on its voter turnout in this constituency. Since independence, the party has managed to win here only once, in the 2001 election. Apart from that victory, BNP candidates have repeatedly been entangled in nomination disputes, weakening their electoral prospects.
Ahead of the upcoming election, several BNP leaders are in the spotlight as potential contenders. Among them are ATM Mizanur Rahman, President of Burichang Upazila BNP; Haji Jasim Uddin, former member secretary of Cumilla South District BNP and President of Brahmanpara Upazila BNP; Barrister Abdullah Al Mamun, Lawyer to interim government Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus; ASM Alauddin Bhuiyan, former vice-president of Cumilla South District BNP; Advocate AHM Taifur Alam, Member of the South District BNP Convening Committee; and Shawkat Mahmud, former adviser to the BNP Chairperson, ex-president of the National Press Club, and Secretary General of Janata Party Bangladesh.
On the other hand, the NCP is yet to field or campaign for a candidate in this constituency. By contrast, Jamaat-e-Islami has moved ahead by declaring Dr. Mubarak Hossain, former president of Islami Chhatra Shibir's Central Committee, as its candidate. He has been active on the ground, organizing events and engaging with voters.
So far, no visible activities have been noticed from other parties such as GOP or the AB Party in the area.
CUMILLA-6: The constituency comprises Cumilla City Corporation, Cumilla Adarsha Sadar Upazila, and Cumilla Cantonment, making it one of the most important and central seats of the district.
BNP is currently holding a strong position here, but Jamaat and other Islamic parties are working to expand their influence. Within BNP, several names are being discussed as potential candidates. Among them are Amin-Ur Rashid Yasin, Adviser to the BNP Chairperson; Mostaq Mia, Co-Organizing Secretary of the BNP National Executive Committee (Cumilla Division); and Kaiser Zaman Bappi, Member of Cumilla Metropolitan BNP.
In addition, speculation is rife that Md. Monirul Haque Sakku, two-time former mayor of Cumilla City Corporation and former joint general secretary of the District BNP, may also enter the parliamentary race.
Jamaat has already declared its candidate- Qazi Din Muhammad, Ameer of the party's Cumilla Metropolitan branch. He has begun grassroots campaigning, trying to reach voters through various programmes.
CUMILLA-7: The constituency encompasses Chandina Upazila, long considered a stronghold of the BNP.
This time, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is eyeing the seat, hoping to reclaim its past influence. The party's Secretary General Dr. Redwan Ahmed, a freedom fighter, former state minister for Liberation War Affairs, and four-time MP from Chandina, is already active on the ground. Local sources say there is a strong campaign that he may secure nomination from a BNP-led alliance in the upcoming election.
Atiqul Alam Shawon, President of Chandina Upazila BNP, has expressed interest in seeking the party's nomination, setting the stage for potential internal competition.
Jamaat has already declared Maulana Mosharraf Hossain, Nayeb-e-Ameer of Chandina Upazila Jamaat, as its candidate. He has been holding rallies and public meetings throughout the upazila to consolidate support. At the same time, Mufti Ehteshamul Haque Qasemi is actively campaigning on behalf of the IAB.
Adding another layer to the contest, local businessman and prominent social worker Nizamul Ahsan Majumder Papon has announced his intention to run as an independent candidate.
CUMILLA-8: The constituency incorporates Barura Upazila.
In this constituency, election campaigning is already in full swing. Within BNP, the spotlight is firmly on Zakaria Taher Suman, BNP Central Committee Employment Affairs Secretary, Convener of Cumilla South District BNP, and former MP. Local leaders and activists say he is being projected as the party's sole candidate from the seat. Suman has been actively holding meetings, opinion exchanges, and mass communication events across every ward of the constituency.
Even so, there are indications that Murtazul Karim Badru, former senior vice-president of the Central Jubo Dal, is also preparing to seek BNP's nomination.
Meanwhile, Professor Shafiqul Alam Helal, Principal of Cumilla Ibn Taymiyya School and College and a Member of Shura Working Committee of Cumilla South District Jamaat, has been declared as Jamaat's candidate. He has been running an active campaign and organizing events, with aiming to capture the seat this time.
Speculation is also circulating about Abu Baker Majumdar, President of the NCP Central Committee, potentially contesting from Barura. However, the party has not yet launched visible campaigning on the ground.
Beyond the major parties, several Islamist parties are testing the field. Maulana Irfan-bin Torab Ali, President of the Central Ulama Party; Mufti Maulana Sharif Uddin, President of Zaker Party's Barura Upazila unit; and Maulana Masud Alam Patwari, Organizing Secretary of Bangladesh Islami Juba Sena, have all announced their candidacies and begun outreach.
Additionally, rumours suggest Maulana Abul Farah Muhammad Abdul Aziz, a central committee member of Khilafat Andolan, may join the race, though he has not yet been seen campaigning publicly.
CUMILLA-9: The constituency encompasses Laksam and Manoharganj upazilas.
Several BNP leaders are aspiring for nomination in this constituency of the district. Among them, Abul Kalam, Secretary for Industry Affairs of the party's Central Committee and President of Laksam Upazila BNP, is leading the discussions. He faced various forms of persecution during the AL government and enjoys widespread public support in the area.
Additionally, there is speculation that Samira Hossain Dola, daughter of late former MP Colonel (Retd.) M. Anwar Ul-Azim and Director of Ovel Group; Dr. Rashid Ahmad Hossaini, Managing Director of Nexus Group, former secretary for Labour Affairs of BNP Central Jubo Dal, and a former member of DUCSU in the 1990s; and Dr. A.K.M. Jahangir, former secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration and brother of former MP Advocate ATM Alamgir, may seek nomination from the BNP.
Meanwhile, Dr. Syed A.K.M. Sarwar Uddin Siddiqui has been declared as the sole candidate of Jamaat in this constituency, giving him a significant advantage on the campaigning field.
Other candidates in the race include Mir Md. Abu Bakar from Islamic Front, and Selim Mahmud from IAB, and, as independent candidates, Mobarok Ullah Majumdar, Managing Director of Shah Sharif Group, and M.A. Khalek, Managing Director of A.K. Group (A.K. Traders).
CUMILLA-10: The constituency comprises Comilla Sadar Dakshin, Lalmai, and Nangalkot upazilas.
The seat is considered one of the largest constituencies in the country.
This time, three prominent BNP leaders are seeking the party's nomination from the constituency. They include Md. Monirul Haque Chowdhury, Adviser to the BNP Chairperson and three-time MP; former MP Abdul Gafur Bhuiyan; and BNP Central Committee Member Mobasher Alam Bhuiyan.
Meanwhile, Maulana Yasin Arafat, former president of the Central Student Camp, has been declared as the candidate of Jamaat-e-Islami for this seat. He has already launched an extensive campaign, holding door-to-door programmes across the constituency. Locals believe this young candidate is gaining public trust due to his visible and proactive campaign.
There is also speculation that Joynal Abedin Shishir, a central leader of the NCP, may enter the race as a candidate for this constituency.
Monirul Haque Chowdhury criticised the abolition of earlier Cumilla-9 constituency during the AL government, which merged it with neighbouring seats, causing development neglect in Sadar Dakshin and Lalmai Upazilas. He urged restoration, noting long-standing public demands for the constituency to regain its separate status ahead of upcoming elections.
CUMILLA-11: The constituency encompasses Chauddagram Upazila.
It is said that Chauddagram's soil is Jamaat's stronghold. The party's candidate here is Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, Central Nayeb-e-Ameer of Jamaat and former central president of Islami Chhatra Shibir. He was previously elected MP with a huge mandate during the BNP-led four-party coalition government.
On the other hand, Kamrul Huda, Joint Convener of Cumilla South District BNP and Convener of Chauddagram Upazila BNP, has been holding meetings, rallies, and various campaigns in the area as a potential BNP candidate. He has already drawn attention with various statements and public appearances.
Additionally, local discussions suggest that Kazi Nasimul Haque, former vice-president of Cumilla South District BNP; Dr. Golam Qader Chowdhury Nobel, former organizational secretary of Chattogram Metropolitan BNP; and A.N.M. Niyaz Makhdoom Masum Billah, Joint General Secretary of the BNP volunteer wing, may seek the party's nomination. However, so far, no campaigning by them has been observed in the constituency.
