BARISHAL, a historically significant region in south-central Bangladesh, was established in 1797 under its former name, Bakerganj. The district's administrative headquarters, Barishal City, is a major urban centre and one of the country's oldest municipalities and river ports.
Situated on the banks of the Kirtankhola River, the city's intricate network of canals once earned it the famous moniker "the Venice of the East" or "the Venice of Bengal." Today, this culturally rich and historically vital region is once again at the centre of political attention as it gears up for a pivotal national parliamentary election.
Following the announcement of the Chief Adviser's election date, a palpable surge of movement has been observed among potential candidates across Barishal's six constituencies. Many leaders, particularly those who typically reside in the capital, had originally planned a brief visit to their constituencies to attend anniversary programmes before returning to Dhaka that very night. Instead, a significant number have chosen to extend their stays, using the opportunity to reconnect with voters and solidify their local support. Reports even suggest that some are remaining until Friday prayers to exchange "seasonal greetings" with their constituents before heading back to the capital.
The electoral landscape, however, is not a level playing field for all parties. While the National Citizen Party (NCP) is yet to make its presence felt, and the Jatiya Party (JaPa) remains largely absent with its leaders having failed to maintain a presence in the area since July 2036, other political entities are already in full campaign mode.
Candidates from various parties have been visiting their constituencies for weeks, making frequent appearances at public gatherings and crowded marketplaces to inquire about the well-being of ordinary citizens.
Despite the sudden surge in political activity and the renewed attentiveness of these leaders, many voters remain sceptical. Residents openly acknowledge that this behaviour is often short-lived and temporary, understanding that once party nominations are finalised, many of these politicians will disappear again until the next election cycle.
Political analysts monitoring the situation have noted a significant contrast in preparedness among the major parties. While Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB) have already finalised their candidates for all six constituencies, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is facing severe internal challenges. The party is struggling with significant disagreements in selecting its nominees, a hurdle that could impact its performance in what promises to be a highly competitive election.
BARISHAL-1: The constituency encompasses Agailjhara and Gournadi upazilas.
Agailjhara's unique voter demographics tend to favour the Awami League (AL), but the political mood in Gournadi is quite the opposite. AL's incumbent, Abul Hasanat Abdullah, left the country prior to 'July 36', leaving his participation in the upcoming national election uncertain. This situation sets the stage for a main contest between BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and IAB.
For BNP, central sources indicate that the race is likely to narrow between Zahir Uddin Swapan, Former MP and Convener of the BNP Media Cell, and Engineer Abdus Sobahan, Member of the District (North) Committee, though the name of Akon Quddusur Rahman, Central Deputy Organizing Secretary (Barisal Division), and several others have also been floated. Internal divisions remain a serious obstacle, and observers question whether BNP can field a united front in this seat.
Jamaat has declared Maulana Kamrul Islam Khan, Member of the District Committee, as its candidate, while IAB has nominated Md. Russel Sardar Mehdi, a local leader.
BARISHAL-2: The constituency incorporates Banaripara and Wazirpur upazilas.
In this seat, BNP's nomination race is crowded, with four to five hopefuls competing. Among them are the widely known S. Sarfuddin Ahmed Santu, Member of BNP National Executive Committee and former president of Uzirpur Upazila Committee; Kazi Raunakul Islam Tipu, Assistant Secretary for Forest and Environment Affairs of BNP Central Executive Committee; Dulal Hossain, local BNP leader; retired Colonel Anwar Hossain, local leader and others including former JCD Central General Secretary Saifur Rahman Jewel, Krishak Dal Member Akhtar Santu, and former secretary of the National Press Club Journalist Elias Khan.
Jamaat has declared District Nayeb-e-Ameer Master Abdul Mannan as its candidate, while IAB has nominated Maulana Muhammad Nesar Uddin, a local leader.
BARISHAL-3: The constituency includes Babuganj and Muladi upazilas.
BNP is bracing for a tough internal fight for the nomination in this constituency. Begum Selima Rahman, Member of BNP National Standing Committee, and Advocate Zainul Abedin, Senior Lawyer of the Bangladesh Supreme Court, are active in the race.
Former MP, ex-JCD President, and Chairperson's Adviser Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal, Joint Secretary General of BNP, is also keeping his hopes alive.
Other BNP aspirants include former Muladi Upazila chairman Abdus Sattar Khan and Barrister Moniruzzaman Asad, Assistant General Secretary of the Central Executive Committee of Bangladesh Nationalist Lawyers Forum.
AB Party's Secretary-General Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad is confirmed as the party candidate here. Jamaat's declared candidate is Metropolitan Ameer Zahiruddin Md. Babor, while IAB's Maulana Muhammad Sirajul Islam, a local leader, has already begun campaigning.
BARISHAL-4: The constituency comprises Hizla and Mehendiganj upazilas.
BNP's potential candidates include former MP Mezbahan Uddin Farhad, Central Swechchhasebak Dal General Secretary Rajib Hasan, Advocate M. Helal Uddin, local leader; former student leader Abdul Khalek Hawlader, and Dewan Mohammad Shahidullah, Vice-President of the District Committee.
Jamaat's declared candidate is Ameer Professor Maulana Abdul Jabbar, who is already active in campaigning, and IAB has nominated younger brother of the party chief, Syed Eshaq Md. Abul Khair.
BARISHAL-5: The constituency encompasses Barisal City Corporation and Barisal Sadar Upazila.
This is the most politically significant constituency in the district - the divisional headquarters and BNP's traditional stronghold.
Former multiple-term MP and BNP Vice-Chairman Mujibor Rahman Sarwar remains a key figure, though an influential faction within the party reportedly does not support him, opening the field to nearly eight contenders. Among them is Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal, who is also active in Barishal-3.
Jamaat has confirmed the candidacy of Central Joint General Secretary Moazzem Hossain Helal
IAB has announced Syed Md. Faizul Karim, younger brother of the Party Chief and Pir Saheb of Charmonai, as its candidate for the seat. Party insiders say IAB will not compromise on this seat, even if it enters an electoral alliance.
BARISHAL-6: The constituency encompasses Bakerganj Upazila.
BNP faces an acute nomination challenge here. Former MP Abul Hossain Khan is joined in the race by Advocate Nazrul Islam Khan Rajon, Acting Secretary of the District BNP, Nurul Islam Khan Masud, former joint general secretary of Central Executive Committee of Jubo Dal and Solaiman Serneyabat, a local leader.
Jamaat's declared candidate District General Secretary Maulana Mahamudunnabi has already begun campaigning.
IAB confirmed Syed Md. Faizul Karim, for the seat. He is also the confirmed candidate for Barishal-5.
Observers believe the February 2026 election will be a serious test for BNP, which has so far shown signs of organizational paralysis.
The party remains vocal in public discourse yet largely silent on internal nomination procedures. No official steps towards candidate selection have been taken in any seat, though local-level aspirants and their followers are actively engaged in campaign preparations.
Across Barishal and the broader southern region, BNP remains fractured into numerous factions that could have serious consequences for their electoral prospects. Since the start of the anti-fascist movement, the JaPa's name has scarcely been heard anywhere in Barishal or the southern belt.
As the election draws closer, Barishal's political landscape is expected to intensify, with every constituency carrying its own unique dynamics. Whether BNP can overcome its organizational challenges in time remains the most pressing question in this critical southern battleground.
