KURIGRAM, one of the northernmost districts of the country, consists of nine upazilas and is divided into four parliamentary constituencies. Enclosed by rivers and bordering India, the district holds significant geopolitical importance, even though it lacks large-scale industries.
Job opportunities inside the district remain limited, but agriculture is the backbone of the local economy. This district is known for producing agricultural surpluses, particularly rice, jute, and vegetables, which have given it a strong foothold in the national market. Additionally, a large portion of the district's working-age population migrates to other parts of Bangladesh and abroad, sending remittances that contribute substantially to the local economy.
Since independence, and up to the recently dissolved parliament, these four constituencies have largely been held either by the Jatiya Party (JaPa) or the Awami League (AL), both independently and in coalition. Yet, residents argue that none of these parties left behind notable development footprints in the district. With limited infrastructure progress and poor employment generation, voters are increasingly disillusioned. This has opened space for Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Jamaat-e-Islami, and the newly active National Citizen Party (NCP) to emerge as credible alternatives.
AL leaders, once strong in parts of Kurigram, have been silent after recent political upheavals, while the JaPa remains largely inactive. Against this backdrop, the main claimants of the four seats are BNP, Jamaat, and NCP - with Jamaat moving fastest to finalise single candidates in all four constituencies, while BNP struggles with multiple aspirants.
KURIGRAM-1: The constituency comprises Nageshwari and Bhurungamari upazilas,
Though this seta has seen frequent changes in its Member of Parliament (MP), yet the lives of ordinary people remain unchanged. Though some development projects have touched the area at a national scale, real progress - especially in terms of local employment opportunities, business expansion, or urban facilities - is scarce. Nageshwari Municipality has not witnessed significant civic improvement, while a land port in Bhurungamari remains underutilised due to the absence of export facilities and immigration services. Currently, the port is limited to stone and coal imports only.
Historically, this seat has been considered a fortress of the JaPa. BNP managed to win once in 1996, and AL secured victory in the controversial 2018 election, which many locals refer to as a "night-time vote." All other elections in this seat were dominated by JaPa.
With the 13 the Jatiya Sangsad election approaching, the political environment is heating up. Although BNP has several nomination seekers here, Jamaat has already declared its candidate, allowing him to organize early. NCP has not nominated anyone yet, while Islamic parties like Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB) and others are struggling to generate visible momentum.
Jamaat is working strategically to exploit BNP's internal rifts and consolidate support. Their declared candidate, Professor Anwarul Islam, is actively campaigning in mosques, madrasas, neighbourhoods, and villages.
BNP, however, has three prominent contenders: Saifur Rahman Rana, former general secretary of the district BNP; Dr. Yunus Ali, a physician leader of Doctors' Association of Bangladesh (DAB); and Golam Rasul Raja, Convener of Nageshwari Upazila BNP. Each is conducting separate campaigns and outreach activities, hoping to secure the party nomination.
Meanwhile, Gano Odhikar Parishad (GOP) candidate Bin Yamin Molla, Central President of Chhatra Odhikar Parishad and one of the faces of the quota reform movement, is drawing interest from young voters, according to local leaders. IAB has fielded Senior Upazila Vice-President Harisul Bari Roni, and Zaker Party has nominated its local leader Abdul Hai Master. With multiple forces in play, this seat is heading towards a competitive electoral battle.
KURIGRAM-2: The constituency encompasses Kurigram Sadar, Phulbari, and Rajarhat upazilas.
This parliamentary area, which includes the district headquarters, has long been at the centre of Kurigram politics. From 1991 until 2018, the JaPa held absolute dominance here. In the 2009 by-election, the AL won, and in the controversial 2024 "dummy election," an AL-backed independent candidate secured victory.
BNP and Jamaat have never won this seat, but discontent over corruption and authoritarianism under AL has reinvigorated them.
BNP has not yet announced an official candidate, but many leaders want Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi to contest here.
Other potential BNP hopefuls include Sohel Hosnain Kaykobad, Member Secretary of the District BNP Convening Committee; Joint Conveners Shafiqul Islam Bebu and Hasibur Rahman Hasib. They are organizing yard meetings, rallies, and public interactions to make their case to both voters and the party.
Jamaat has declared Advocate Yasin Ali Sarkar, a former president of the Kurigram District Bar Association as its candidate. His candidacy has energised Jamaat workers, who are united behind him. The NCP is set to nominate Dr. Atik Mujahid, the party's Central Joint Convener, with local leaders committed to delivering the seat.
IAB has nominated Maulana Nur Bakht Mia, President of the National Teachers' Forum's Kurigram District branch. With multiple serious contenders, this area is shaping up as one of the most competitive constituencies in the district.
KURIGRAM-3: This parliamentary seat covers Ulipur Upazila of the district.
From 1996 to 2024, it was largely shared between AL and JaPa, either independently or in coalition. But today, the political landscape has shifted. Jamaat, after years of staying low, has declared a single candidate, which has repositioned it as an active force.
Jamaat's candidate, Barrister Mahbubul Alam Salehi, a former central office secretary of Islami Chhatra Shibir and ex-president of its Rajshahi University branch, has already launched door-to-door campaign. He is emphasising Islamic ideals, social justice, and grassroots connection to win over voters.
BNP, on the other hand, remains popular but faces internal division, with multiple aspirants seeking nomination. Two heavyweights are in the race: Tasvir Ul Islam, former district BNP president and Adviser to the party chairperson, and Abdul Khalek, BNP's Assistant Organizing Secretary for Rangpur Division. Both are campaigning vigorously while lobbying the BNP high command for nomination.
Alternative parties are also testing their ground. Gano Odhikar Parishad (GOP) has fielded Advocate S.M. Nure Ershad Siddiqui, a Member of its Supreme Council, while IAB nominated Dr. Akkas Ali Sarkar, its Presidium member. Both are engaged in grassroots campaigning.
Although NCP has active support from sections of youth, the party is yet to announce an official candidate.
KURIGRAM-4: The constituency encompasses Chilmari, Char Rajibpur and Raomari upazilas.
The parliamentary seat is surrounded by the Brahmaputra River, includes three upazilas - Rowmari, Rajibpur, and Chilmari. Candidates are already engaged in early exchanges of greetings and campaigning following the fall of the Hasina government during the August 5 uprising.
BNP is yet to finalise a single candidate, with five aspirants competing: Abdul Bari Sarkar, valiant freedom fighter and Convener of Chilmari Upazila BNP; Azizur Rahman, Member of the District BNP Convening Committee and former president of Rowmari Upazila BNP; Mokhlesur Rahman, Convener of Rajibpur Upazila BNP; Momtaz Hossain Lipi, Cultural Affairs Secretary of the Central Committee of Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal; and Raihan Kabir, President of Kurigram District Jubo Dal.
BNP aspirants argue that after 15 years of authoritarian rule, people are eager to regain their right to vote. "The July Revolution has restored hope. This time, the people will choose BNP," they said.
Jamaat has declared Mostafizur Rahman Mostak, former Ameer of Rowmari Upazila Jamaat, as its candidate who is comfortably leading his campaign with visible grassroots activity.
Mostafizur Rahman Mostak said, "In past elections, Jamaat candidates had winning potential, but fascist forces used intimidation and coercion to snatch victory. People here were deceived with false promises. Now the public is turning towards Islamic ideals. Victory is only a matter of time."
IAB has nominated Hafizur Rahman, General Secretary of its Rowmari branch.
Historically, this constituency was won by JaPa, AL, and Anwar Hossain Manju's Jatiya Party (JP) at different times through coalitions. But locals believe that with the changed political climate, Jamaat now has a stronger chance.
In Kurigram's four constituencies, Jamaat is clearly ahead in organizational readiness, having nominated single candidates early.
BNP remains the largest force with vast support, but multiple aspirants in each seat are creating confusion and slowing momentum. The NCP is visible but hesitant, while Islamic parties beyond Jamaat lack energy.
Either way, Kurigram's political field promises one of the most dynamic and unpredictable electoral battles in the upcoming national election.
