MANIKGANJ, a district standing on the bank of the mighty Padma River and located in the Dhaka division, holds a unique position in the country's history, culture, and politics. Despite being relatively small in size, it has played a significant role in shaping the nation's identity and continues to attract attention for its diverse features.
One of the primary reasons Manikganj is celebrated is its historical significance. During the Liberation War of 1971, the district became a stronghold for freedom fighters, witnessing fierce battles against the Pakistani occupation forces. Several memorials and monuments now bear testimony to the courage and sacrifice of those who laid down their lives, making Manikganj a place of pride and remembrance for the entire nation.
Culturally, Manikganj carries the grandeur of Bengal's zamindari era. The district was once home to powerful zamindar families, and their palaces still stand as magnificent architectural heritage. The Baliati Zamindar Bari in Saturia Upazila is a prime example, with its vast courtyards, tall columns, and elegant design. Such historic structures continue to attract tourists, historians, and researchers eager to revisit the aristocratic past of Bengal.
The district is equally known for its natural beauty. The Padma, Jamuna, Dhaleshwari, Kaliganga, and Ichhamati rivers flow through Manikganj, making it fertile and agriculturally prosperous. These rivers also enhance its scenic charm, especially during the monsoon when the landscapes come alive. Agriculture remains the backbone of the local economy, with jute, paddy, mustard, and vegetables forming the main crops. Traditional handloom weaving and folk culture further enrich the district's identity.
Located just 60 kilometres from Dhaka, this district also serves as a popular destination for those who wish to escape the capital's hustle and bustle. Tourist spots like Baliati Palace, Teota Zamindar Bari, and serene riverbanks make the district attractive for both leisure and history enthusiasts.
But beyond its heritage and beauty, Manikganj has long been a stronghold of politics-especially during election seasons when the district becomes a focal point of national attention.
With the next national election drawing closer, the political atmosphere in this district has become increasingly vibrant. The district is now witnessing heightened political activity from Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Jamaat-e-Islami, and other parties, as prospective candidates engage voters through grassroots campaigns, rallies, and courtyard meetings.
For decades, Manikganj was considered one of the bastions of the BNP. Until the 2008 national election, BNP held sway in all parliamentary constituencies of the district. But that year proved a turning point. In the 2008 polls, BNP lost all its seats to Awami League (AL) candidates, marking a dramatic shift in the political landscape.
The defeat led to a prolonged period of organizational weakness for BNP in Manikganj. Many leaders and activists, burdened with numerous cases and facing continuous political pressure, could not operate freely. Party programmes were often limited and lacked visible strength. In some instances, even entering the district headquarters office was a challenge for BNP activists due to police surveillance and the fear of arrest.
However, the scenario began to change after August 5 last year. BNP reorganized and started to reassert itself in local politics. The district party office has since regained vibrancy, with regular gatherings, programmes, and visible participation of leaders and activists. BNP men are now not only active in political events but also present in social, cultural, and religious programmes across the district. Ahead of the upcoming national election, possible candidates have already started campaigning and building connections with voters, signalling BNP's determination to reclaim lost ground.
A significant step in this revival was the formation of a 61-member convening committee for Manikganj District BNP. The committee has decided to dissolve existing union and upazila committees and form new leadership structures through conferences. After recent meetings with the party's Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus in London, District BNP activists report a renewed sense of confidence and motivation.
Jamaat has also revived organizational activities at the district level. The party has already announced candidates for three constituencies in Manikganj, indicating its intent to contest actively despite limitations. For many years under the AL government, Jamaat could not operate openly, but its grassroots mobilisation is becoming visible again.
Similarly, Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB) and Khelafat Majlish are running small-scale political programmes locally. While Khelafat Majlish is preparing for the polls, IAB is yet to finalise its candidate list in the district.
Other political groups, such as Jatiya Party( JaPa), National Citizen Party (NCP), Gono Odhikar Parishad(GOP), Gono Songhoti Andolon, and Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), currently show little visible activity here. Their electoral presence remains uncertain as the larger parties dominate the local political stage.
MANIKGANJ-1: This parliamentary area covers Ghior, Daulatpur, and Shibalaya upazilas.
In this constituency, BNP and Jamaat candidates have become notably active in recent weeks. Grassroots campaigns, face-to-face voter outreach, and frequent courtyard meetings are keeping potential candidates busy as they attempt to build momentum.
The most prominent BNP hopeful is S.A. Jinnah Kabir, former general secretary of the District BNP and currently the number one member of its convening committee. Under his leadership, BNP activists have been visiting every ward of the 22 unions in the constituency. Kabir claims to have already completed 31 campaign meetings and courtyard sessions where he presented a list of 31 demands to the public. He has also held large rallies in Ghior and Daulatpur upazilas, consistently urging voters to cast their ballots for the BNP's 'Paddy Sheaf' symbol.
Another influential figure is Khandaker Akbar Hossain (Bablu), son of the late BNP Secretary General Khandaker Delwar Hossain and a current member of the District Convening Committee. Bablu is also running a parallel campaign, with his supporters working actively at the grassroots level.
Meanwhile, Tojammel Haque Toja, a former joint general secretary of BNP who was recently expelled, has launched independent promotional campaigns and voter-engagement programmes, hinting at his personal ambition.
On the Jamaat-e-Islami side, the party has declared Abu Bakr Siddique, Managing Director of Euro Bangla Heart Hospital, as its candidate. Siddique has already started preparing for the election and is actively involved in mobilising his supporters.
Khelafat Majlish is also preparing to field a candidate in the constituency. Discussions are ongoing about whether Mufti Ashraful Alam, Vice-President of the District Committee, or Mufti Shariful Islam, President of Shibalaya Upazila Committee, will receive the nomination.
So far, parties like JaPa, NCP, CPB, and other smaller groups have shown little visible activity here. No notable campaigns from their end have been observed yet.
MANIKGANJ-2: This constituency covers Singair and Harirampur upazilas along with Hatipara and Vararia unions of Sadar Upazila.
The seat is shaping up to be one of the most competitive battlegrounds in the upcoming polls.
BNP's strongest contender here is Engineer Moinul Islam Khan Shanto, an Adviser to the BNP Chairperson, former District BNP general secretary, and former lawmaker.
Alongside organizational activities, Shanto is regularly attending social events, maintaining his presence in the constituency. Party insiders believe his prior experience as an elected MP gives him an edge.
Several other BNP figures are also campaigning as potential candidates, including Abidur Rahman Khan Roman, President of Singair Upazila BNP and District Convening Committee Member; Abdul Hamid Mia, former District BNP adviser; and Ratan Khan, a former student leader.
On the Jamaat front, the party has finalised Muhammad Zahidur Rahman, former central president of Islami Chhatra Shibir and current DGM of Ibn Sina Trust, as its candidate. Zahidur Rahman is already visible in local campaign.
Other Islamist and emerging parties are also preparing to contest. Potential candidates include Sheikh Md. Salah Uddin, Central Organizing Secretary of Khelafat Majlish; Khaled Saifullah Ayubi, Central Joint Secretary of Hefazat-e-Islam; Mufti Shamsul Arefin Khan Sadi, District President of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam; and Md. Musa Mia, Joint General Secretary of GOP.
Historically, the constituency has witnessed dramatic shifts. In the 2008 ninth parliamentary elections, S.M. Abdul Mannan of the JaPa, supported by the Grand Alliance, won the seat, defeating BNP's Afroza Khan Rita and CPB's Nowab Ali. Later, singer Momtaz Begum emerged as a key figure.
She first entered parliament in 2009 through a reserved women's seat. In 2014, after BNP boycotted the controversial polls, Momtaz was elected uncontested as the Awami League (AL) candidate. She retained the seat again in 2018, although BNP's Shanta alleged widespread vote-rigging.
In the last election of 2024, BNP again boycotted, and in a surprising turn, Momtaz lost to Dewan Zahid Ahmed Tulu, who had contested as a "dummy candidate" from her own party, exposing internal rifts.
Given this backdrop and the renewed activity of BNP, Jamaat, and Islamist parties, political observers predict that Manikganj-2 could witness one of the fiercest contests this time.
MANIKGANJ-3: This constituency encompasses Sadar and Saturia upazilas.
It is widely regarded as the district's most politically significant constituency.
The upcoming 13th Jatiya Sangsad election has already stirred visible activity among BNP hopefuls.
Prominent among them is Afroza Khanom Rita, a BNP central leader, Adviser to the Party Chairperson, and twice-elected District President. Rita has been actively campaigning to secure her nomination.
She is joined by Advocate Jamilur Rashid Khan, former District convenor; Ataur Rahman Ata, a two-time former upazila chairman; and Motaleb Hossain, former District BNP vice-president-all of whom are vying for the nomination.
Jamaat has already declared Maulana Md. Delwar Hossain, former District ameer and currently Assistant Director of the party's Dhaka (North) region, as its candidate. Delwar has already begun visible campaigning and voter outreach.
Khelafat Majlish is also considering two of its leaders-one from the central committee and another from the district committee-for possible nomination.
Meanwhile, the newly formed NCP has formed a coordination committee in Manikganj but has not yet decided whether to contest the upcoming polls.
Once a fortress for BNP, then a bastion for AL, this district is now bracing for intense competition. BNP's organizational revival, Jamaat's renewed activity, and the involvement of smaller Islamist parties are creating a dynamic electoral field.
As Election Day approaches, the three constituencies of Manikganj-each with its own history, power players, and political dynamics-are expected to play a significant role in shaping the national narrative.
Voters here are preparing to witness one of the most contested electoral battles in recent memory, making Manikganj a focal point of the country's political spotlight.
