NETRAKONA, a district in country's north-central under the Mymensingh Division, has always drawn attention for its unique blend of natural beauty, cultural diversity, and political significance. Bordered by India's Meghalaya to the north, the district is surrounded by hills, rivers, and haor wetlands, creating a captivating geographical landscape. While Durgapur and Kalmakanda boast hilly terrains, the southern upazilas are dominated by vast seasonal wetlands that turn into inland seas during the monsoon. This rare combination of natural diversity has earned Netrakona a reputation as one of the most enchanting districts in the country.
The district's fame largely stems from its haor region. Upazilas such as Mohanganj, Khaliajuri, Atpara, and Madan are submerged during the rainy season, making them look like endless stretches of water. Mohanganj Haor in particular has gained popularity as a hub for eco-tourism and is considered a lifeline for thousands of local fishermen. In winter, these haors transform into fertile agricultural land, producing bumper crops of paddy. Migratory birds flock to the region each year, turning the wetlands into a paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
Another distinctive feature of Netrakona is the Bijoypur China Clay Mine in Durgapur, the only one of its kind in Bangladesh. This high-quality white clay is used extensively in the ceramics and porcelain industry, giving the district both economic and industrial importance. Alongside, Susang Durgapur has become a destination for tourists drawn to its rivers, stone resources, tribal culture, and breathtaking scenery.
Netrakona is also home to a diverse mix of communities. Indigenous groups such as the Garo and Hajong preserve their rich cultural tradition, festivals, and rituals in the hills and border regions. Their colourful attire, folk dances, and festivals add vibrancy to the district's cultural life, blending seamlessly with rural Bengali tradition. Netrakona also carries a proud history from the Liberation War of 1971, when its people fought bravely and made sacrifices for Bangladesh's independence. Today, memorials across the district stand as reminders of that heroic past.
Beyond its scenic hills, vast haors, and rich cultural heritage, Netrakona is fast turning into a hotbed of political activity as the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election approaches. The district, comprising five parliamentary constituencies, is witnessing a surge in political engagement, with leaders and activists from various parties actively campaigning and organizing rallies.
After nearly one and a half decades of limited electoral participation, local voters are showing renewed enthusiasm, with discussions about potential candidates becoming a common part of daily life. The pre-election buzz is palpable, and political activities have intensified across both urban and rural areas.
Historically, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Awami League (AL), and Jatiya Party (JaPa) have alternately won seats in Netrakona, though BNP and AL have traditionally dominated the district's political landscape. For the upcoming polls, the BNP is aiming for victories in all five constituencies, while Jamaat-e-Islami has launched an active grassroots campaign to expand its influence.
Emerging political forces, including the National Citizen Party (NCP), Khelafat Majlish, Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB), and Gono Odhikar Parishad (GOP), are also making their presence felt, signalling a more competitive electoral contest than in previous years.
Jamaat and Khelafat Andolan have already announced their single candidates for all five constituencies. Meanwhile, internal disputes within the BNP over nominations have surfaced in three of the five seats, adding to the intensity of the pre-election environment. The frequent campaigning and active presence of BNP aspirants in these constituencies have created a charged atmosphere at the grassroots, with rallies, courtyard meetings, and local outreach programmes keeping voters engaged.
NETRAKONA-1: This constituency encompasses Durgapur and Kalmakanda upazilas.
Political dynamics in this parliamentary area is particularly intense. BNP leaders in this seat are regularly campaigning to woo the voters. At present, Barrister Kaiser Kamal, a central BNP leader and Secretary General of the Jatiyatabadi Ainjibi Forum, is seen as a frontrunner for the party nomination. His clean image and reputation as a dedicated political activist have helped him gain popularity in the constituency. Alongside him, Dr. Hamidur Rahman Rashed, a former international affairs secretary of the District BNP, and Ejmul Hossain Pilot, former vice-president of the Central Chatra Dal, are also lobbying for nominations.
On the other hand, Jamaat has already finalised its candidate, Professor Maulana Abul Hashem, the Ameer of the upazila unit. Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan has fielded District Convenor Maulana Khairul Bashar, who is also actively campaigning.
IAB has selected Mamunur Rashid Rabbani, the district President, as its candidate, while Mamunur Rashid, the district Vice-President of Khelafat Majlis, is seeking nomination from his party.
BNP's Kaiser Kamal has already begun holding rallies and public meetings, which have drawn considerable crowds, sparking discussions about his growing influence. Meanwhile, Jamaat activists have been organizing worker meetings, road shows, and joining local social programmes to strengthen their candidate's position.
NETRAKONA-2: This parliamentary area covers Sadar and Barhatta upazilas.
Several heavyweight BNP figures are vying for nomination. Among the frontrunners is Professor Dr. Md. Anwarul Haque, the current District BNP President. Former District BNP president and ex-MP Bir Muktijoddha Md. Ashraf Uddin Khan is also active in the race. Central leaders including A.T.M. Abdul Bari Danny, Assistant Secretary for Religious Affairs, and Dr. Arifa Jesmin Nahin, a Member of the BNP Central Executive Committee, are also campaigning vigorously. Others seeking nominations include Dr. Delwar Hossain Tito, former vice-president of the District BNP, and Central BNP Member Khorshed Mia Alam.
On the other side, Jamaat has fielded its former District Ameer, Professor Maulana Enamul Haque.
IAB has nominated District Convenor of the party Maulana Abdul Quayum. Khelafat Andolan has nominated its Assistant Secretary-General, Maulana Gazi Mohammad Abdur Rahim Ruhi. Hasan Al Mamun is representing GOP while NCP has brought forward central organizer Pritom Sohag and Central Committee member Fahim Rahman Khan Pathan.
BNP candidates currently appear to hold the strongest ground as their potential nominees have already begun holding rallies, courtyard meetings, and other campaign-style activities. Their visible presence in the constituency has sparked discussions about BNP's dominance. However, Jamaat and other parties are not sitting idle; they too have been organizing events to keep their supporters engaged.
NETRAKONA-3: The constituency encompasses Atpara and Kendua upazilas.
In this seat, on the BNP side, Dr. Rafiqul Islam Hilali, a Central Executive Member and former District BNP general secretary, is a key contender. Alongside him are several influential figures: former District BNP vice-president and Kendua Upazila Chairman Md. Delwar Hossain Bhuiya Dulal; Syed Almagir Khosru, a businessman and Adviser to the BNP Chairperson; and Rotarian M. Nazmul Hasan, former District BNP adviser and Central Assistant Secretary-General of Zia Parishad.
From abroad, Major ( Retd.) Syed Abu Bakr Siddique, a UK BNP leader, has entered the race. Others include Rayhan Amin Talukdar Rony, former BNP assistant sports secretary, and Professor Jahangir Alam Sajal, former senior joint general secretary of the District BNP.
Jamaat has declared Delwar Hossain Saiful, Assistant Secretary of the District Jamaat and former vice-chairman of Atpara Upazila Parishad, as its candidate. From the Khelafat Andolan, Atpara Upazila President Shamsul Islam is actively campaigning. Both leaders have been conducting programmes in rural areas, reaching out to grassroots supporters ahead of the polls.
IAB has fielded Alhaj Maulana Zakir Hossain Sultan, President of the Kendua Upazila unit, as its candidate. Other Islamic party figures include Maulana Harunur Rashid Faruqi, General Secretary of the Kendua Upazila branch of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh, and Maulana Azizul Rahman, President of the Atpara branch of Khelafat Majlis.
NETRAKONA-4: This constituency covers the haor heartlands of Madan, Mohanganj, and Khaliajuri upazilas.
This area is regarded as a crucial seat because of the prominence of BNP heavyweight Lutfozzaman Babar, former state minister for home affairs. Babar had a stronghold here, winning the seat multiple times between 1991 and 2008. Despite controversies, his name still carries weight in the constituency.
In addition to Babar, other BNP hopefuls include former tax commissioner Kazi Imdadul Haque and BNP leader Farukh Ahmed.
Jamaat has declared Professor Al Helal Talukdar, Organizational Secretary of Mymensingh Metropolitan Jamaat, as its candidate who is actively working in the constituency. From the Khelafat Andolan, Madan Upazila Convener Maulana Abdul Mannan is in the field. IAB has fielded Hafez Maulana Mukhlesur, President of the Mohanganj Upazila branch.
This constituency promises to be a battleground between BNP's established dominance and Jamaat's growing grassroots efforts.
NETRAKONA-5: This constituency includes Purbadhala Upazila.
This political area has become another hotbed of BNP activity. Among the hopefuls are Abu Taher Talukdar, former District BNP general secretary, and Barrister Moudud Ahmed Khan, Joint General Secretary of UK BNP. Also campaigning are Babul Alam Talukdar, former convenor of Purbadhala BNP; A.S.M. Shahidullah Imran, a member of the District BNP Convening Committee and current Secretary of Purbadhala BNP; and Engineer Mahbubul Alam Rana, son of former BNP MP Dr. Muhammad Ali.
Jamaat's contender here is Professor Masum Mostafa, District Assistant Secretary and former vice-chairman of Purbadhala Upazila Parishad. From the Khelafat Andolan, Maulana Habibullah Khan has been actively campaigning. Both are holding grassroots meetings and engaged in religious and social programmes to build momentum.
Other notable figures in the race include Mufti Nurul Islam Hakimi, President of the Netrakona District branch of IAB; Hafez Maulana Mosharraf Hossain Khan, President of the Purbadhala Upazila branch of Khelafat Majlis.
Maulana Faruq Ahmed Khan, President of the Purbadhala Upazila branch of Jamiat Ulema, and Principal Abdul Wahhab Hamidi, former president of the party's upazila unit, are among the aspirants.
The Netrakona seats highlight a clear trend. BNP candidates are visibly active and dominating the pre-election field with rallies and grassroots meetings, while Jamaat and other Islamic parties continue to consolidate their base through local networks. Meanwhile, smaller parties such as NCP and GOP are trying to carve out space although they face an uphill battle against the established parties.
