BANDARBAN, cradled in the south-eastern corner of Bangladesh under Chattogram Division, lies gracefully on the banks of the Sangu River. Often hailed as the 'land of natural beauty,' it is the country's most remote and sparsely populated district.
A paradise for nature lovers, this district is home to some of country's most iconic landmarks. The towering Nilgiri and Nilachal peaks allow visitors to feel as though they are touching the clouds, while the tranquil Boga Lake, the roaring Nafakhum waterfall, and the striking Golden Temple (Buddha Dhatu Jadi) draw thousands of travellers each year.
But beyond its natural wonders, Bandarban is also one of the most geographically and ethnically diverse districts in Bangladesh. The population includes Bengali settlers as well as tribal communities such as the Marma, Chakma, Mro, Tripura, and Bawm. This diversity shapes a complex political landscape where issues of land rights, cultural recognition, connectivity, education, and healthcare dominate local concerns. According to the 2022 census, Bengalis constitute the largest ethnic group in the district, making up 58.85 per cent of the population.
As Bangladesh prepares for the 13th Jatiya Sangsad (JS) election, political activities in Bandarban are intensifying. Constituency-300, which covers the entire district, has become the focal point of discussions, from village tea stalls to urban marketplaces. Nomination aspirants are adopting different strategies to secure party tickets, while voters watch closely, hoping for candidates who can truly deliver on development and welfare.
BANDARBAN-1: This constituency covers the entirety of Hill District, comprising seven upazilas, two municipalities, and 34 unions.
Officially known as Bandarban-1, this parliamentary seat is also listed as Constituency-300, the final seat in national electoral map.
For the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the task ahead is monumental. It must overcome the three-decade-long dominance of the Awami League (AL), which has seen its candidate, Bir Bahadur Ushwe Sing, elected to the JS six consecutive times since 1991.
The only break in his winning streak was the February 15, 1996, election, where he lost to Saching Prue Jerry. It is this history that now fuels the BNP's ambition. The party appears to have learned from its past mistakes, and its leaders are currently emphasising unity and a cohesive front-a stark contrast to the internal divisions that have often plagued its ranks.
This time, the BNP is considering several candidates, with at least four prominent names surfacing in local political discussions. Each is manoeuvring quietly but strategically, attending social and family events, connecting with community leaders, and gauging voter sentiment.
Leading the list of hopefuls is Saching Prue Jerry, the current district BNP Convener and a former lawmaker. Jerry's past victory in 1996 makes him a familiar figure in Bandarban politics. Speaking about his candidacy, Jerry noted, "The central leadership has not yet made any decision. Whoever gets the nomination, I will work for them. The priority now is to organize and strengthen the party."
One of the BNP's prospective candidates is Ma Mya Ching, who is also vying for the nomination. He insists the party has not yet finalised its choice and urges patience.
"Right now, there is no public campaign," Ma Mya Ching said. "Once the election schedule is announced, our leaders and workers will begin outreach. If I get the nomination, that will be very good. If not, that is still good. Whoever is nominated, we will work unitedly."
Perhaps the most energetic among the aspirants is Zaved Reza, District BNP's Member Secretary and a former mayor of Bandarban Municipality. Serving from 2011 to 2016, he became the first BNP candidate to win the mayoral post in the area.
Reza said, "We have launched the BNP membership form. Whoever the party nominates, we must work for them. There is no alternative, and no space for factionalism. Bandarban BNP is united now." He remains optimistic about BNP's electoral prospects, pointing to strong support bases in Bandarban Sadar, Lama, Alikadam, Naikhongchhari, and Rowangchhari upazilas.
From outside the district BNP leadership but with deep local roots, Dr. Sarwar Alam is also seeking the party ticket. Former Health and Family Welfare Secretary of Chattogram City BNP, he hails from Faitong in Lama Upazila. "I collected nomination papers in 2018 as well. Every aspirant hopes to get nominated, and so do I. But the party considers many factors, including local popularity. Whoever gets the nomination, I will fully support," he affirmed.
While BNP debates its nominee, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has already declared its candidate. On February 7, the party nominated Advocate Abul Kalam, the District Jamaat Ameer, a Member of the District Council, and President of the District Bar Association.
Kalam said, "Our campaign is being conducted in line with organizational continuity. I did not personally seek candidacy; it was decided centrally. If the election is free and fair, I am confident of victory."
Adding another layer of competition, the Parbatya Chattogram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS), a prominent regional political force, has hinted at participating in the election. Central leader KS Mong told reporters that if nominated by the party, he would contest. "This time, PCJSS will take part in the national election," he confirmed.
Local voters are closely observing the unfolding political dynamics. Saiful Alam, a resident of Bandarban town, said, "We want candidates who will truly work for public welfare. The parties must ensure free and fair elections this time." Another voter, Nazim Uddin, echoed the sentiment, adding, "It is not enough to make promises during campaigns. We need leaders who will deliver on development, education, and healthcare."
Bandarban's electorate often grapples with issues unique to the hill districts-such as road connectivity, land disputes, and cultural representation. Many voters believe that their voices are overlooked at the national level, fuelling demands for stronger advocacy in the parliament.
For BNP, the path to victory lies not only in securing a strong candidate but also in maintaining unity. In past elections, internal divisions and weak grassroots coordination undermined its campaigns. This time, the rhetoric from all aspirants emphasises loyalty to the party's central decision and the importance of avoiding factionalism.
"There is no room for grouping. We are united now," said Zaved Reza, underlining a message echoed by other contenders. Whether this spirit of unity will hold once the central committee makes its final choice will be crucial for the party's chances.
For the voters of Bandarban, the stakes are high. In a district where geographical isolation and historical neglect have long limited opportunities, the next member of Parliament (MP) will have to do more than just win an election-they will need to bridge divides, address development gaps, and represent the voices of both ethnic and Bengali communities.
