GAIBANDHA, located in the northern part of Bangladesh under the Rangpur Division, is known for its rich history, fertile land, and vibrant culture. The district, situated on the western bank of the Brahmaputra River, is famous for its agricultural production, riverine beauty, and contributions to the Liberation War of 1971.
Agriculture is the backbone of Gaibandha's economy. The fertile alluvial soil and abundant water sources make it ideal for cultivating rice, jute, maize, and vegetables. The district is also known for its high-quality sugarcane and tobacco production. Gaibandha's farmers are often praised for their innovative farming techniques, which have made the area one of the major food-producing regions of the country.
The district is historically significant as well. During the Liberation War, Gaibandha was one of the earliest regions to resist Pakistani forces, and many local freedom fighters sacrificed their lives for independence. Various memorials and monuments across the district stand as reminders of their heroism.
Culturally, Gaibandha is home to traditional folk music, Baul songs, and indigenous crafts. The people of Gaibandha celebrate major festivals like Pahela Baishakh and Nabanna with great enthusiasm. The Brahmaputra and Teesta rivers add natural charm to the district, supporting both fishing and river-based livelihood.
Gaibandha also attracts visitors for its hospitality and rural tranquillity. Places like Fulchhari's river port, Gobindaganj's historic mosques, and the lush green fields of Sadullapur and Palashbari offer glimpses into the district's natural and cultural diversity.
As the national election draws nearer, political activities have gained momentum across Gaibandha District, with both Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) vowing to reclaim their political strongholds. The two opposition parties are determined to win in all five constituencies of the district, each considering Gaibandha as strategically significant for their national comeback.
All parties have intensified their mass contact programmes. From bazars to river ghats, candidates are seen mingling with villagers, promising development projects - including flood control measures, road construction, and educational facilities - if elected. Similar to other constituencies, many candidates refrain from direct campaigning, instead asking for Doa and prayers, citing electoral code restrictions.
Across Gaibandha, the political landscape is shaping into a fierce contest between BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami. BNP retains a larger formal organization and leadership network, while Jamaat enjoys strong grassroots loyalty, particularly in the northern upazilas.
The Jatiya Party (JaPa), historically dominant in parts of the district during the Ershad era, still maintains pockets of influence, particularly in Sundarganj and Sadullapur. However, the shifting national political scenario has weakened its local grip.
Both BNP and Jamaat leaders are conducting quiet but intense campaign. BNP is emphasising its "restoration of democracy" narrative and anti-government sentiment, while Jamaat is focusing on religious solidarity and the promise of "moral leadership."
Political observers say that Gaibandha may emerge as one of the most competitive districts in the next general election. With both BNP and Jamaat fielding strong local candidates and the ruling Awami League (AL) facing anti-incumbency challenges, the five seats could become key battlegrounds.
GAIBANDHA-1: This constituency comprises Sundarganj Upazila.
The seat has become a hotspot of political discussions.
Several aspirants are preparing to seek nomination papers from their respective party boards to contest the upcoming parliamentary election.
From the BNP, likely contenders include Mazharul Islam, chairman of Horipur Union Parishad, and Mahmudul Islam Pramanik, Member Secretary of the upazila BNP. Other BNP leaders seeking nomination are Dr. Ziaul Islam, upazila BNP Convener Babul Ahmed, and Arefin Sarder, an Upazila BNP Member.
On the Jamaat's side, former chairman of Sundarganj Upazila Parishad Md. Mazedur Rahman has emerged as the candidate.
Conversations with local voters reveal that the main contest is expected between the candidates of Jamaat and the Jatiya Party.
Many residents describe Sundarganj as a "Jamaat habituated area," given the party's long-standing organizational strength and substantial voter base there. Local observers believe Jamaat holds a clear advantage if the election is held under a neutral administration.
GAIBANDHA-2: This constituency covers Sadar Upazila.
Though central announcements from the major political parties are yet to come, prospective candidates have already intensified public engagements. Many are attending social and religious events as invited guests, where they are introduced as potential nominees.
Interestingly, most of them are refraining from directly seeking votes; instead, they are requesting blessings from constituents. This symbolic approach, they believe, helps them connect emotionally with the electorate.
Being the district's administrative and economic centre, Gaibandha-2 is seen as the most crucial constituency. It hosts a large number of educated, politically aware voters and serves as the operational hub for all major political parties.
BNP's potential candidates include Anisuzzaman Khan Babu, former general secretary of the District BNP; Mahadunnabi Tutul, current General Secretary of the District BNP; ATM Mazed Liton, a District BNP leader; Shayla Islam, wife of senior BNP leader Abdul Ahad; and Abdul Awal Arzu, Vice-President of the District BNP.
Additionally, a new name has recently gained traction - retired government secretary Md. Aminul Islam, Adviser to the District BNP from Kuptala Union. A few weeks ago, his supporters organised a massive motorcycle rally in his favour, parading through key roads of the constituency while chanting "Vote for Aminul Islam."
Among the BNP aspirants, Anisuzzaman Khan Babu, a local leader has stood out for his aggressive campaign at the grassroots level.
He is distributing leaflets highlighting a 31-point development plan and emphasising his long political experience, having contested in the 1996 election.
Jamaat has already declared District Ameer Abdul Karim as its candidate while Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB) is preparing to field its local leader Abdul Mazed. Both are actively attending mosque gatherings and religious events to mobilise grassroots support.
From JaPa, former MP Abdur Rashid Sarker - elected in 1996 - has also expressed his intention to contest again. Speaking to this correspondent, he said he would seek the party's nomination "if the political environment remains fair."
GAIBANDHA-3: The seat includes Palashbari and Sadullapur upazilas.
Here, BNP's district President Dr. Mainul Hasan Sadik is leading the nomination race, joined by Mizanur Rahman Sarkar, a central leader of the Swechhasebak Dal; Rafiqul Islam and Mostafa Sarwar Sohan, two prominent local leaders; and Forhad Hossain Niyon, a district leader of the Jatiyatabadi Samajik Sangskritik Sangstha (JASAS).
Jamaat has declared Palashbari Upazila Ameer Moulana Nazrul Islam Lebu as its candidate.
The NCP's Central Organizer and Chief Coordinator of Gaibandha District Nazmul Hasan Sohag has also announced his intention to run.
JaPa may field Romanur Rabbi Chowdhury, son of late Dr. Fazley Rabbi Chowdhury, who represented this seat in parliament four consecutive times.
According to local political analysts, the contest is likely to be triangular, with BNP and Jamaat expected to dominate. The JaPa, however, is likely to draw a portion of sympathy votes due to the Chowdhury family's long-standing influence in the area.
GAIBANDHA-4: The constituency encompasses Gobindaganj Upazila.
The seat, which is the largest and most developed area in the district, is expected to see a heated electoral battle.
BNP has multiple potential nominees, including Professor Aminul Islam, Co-Organising Secretary of the party's national executive committee; Faruk Ahmed Kabir, Convener of the Upazila BNP; and former MP Shamim Kaisar Linkon. All three have been actively campaigning across villages, distributing BNP's 31-point manifesto prepared under the guidance of Tarique Rahman.
On the Jamaat side, former District Ameer Abdur Rahim has already begun door-to-door canvassing, targeting traditional supporters and new voters alike.
The NCP is reportedly considering Upazila leader Zahangir Alam Chowdhury, while JaPa's probable contender is Kazi Moshiur Rahman, Upazila President.
Interviews with local voters suggest that the real battle is between BNP and Jamaat, both of whom enjoy deep organizational roots and long-term presence in the upazila. "The fight here is about legacy and loyalty," said a local schoolteacher, adding that younger voters might tilt the balance depending on national political developments.
GAIBANDHA-5: This seat includes Fulchhari and Saghata upazilas.
BNP's potential candidates include District General Secretary Faruk Alom Sarker; Mahadunnabi Titul, District BNP Secretary ; Mohammad Ali, Saghata Upazila BNP Convener; and Upazila BNP Member Nazimul Islam.
On the Jamaat side, the party has already declared freedom fighter and Senior Nayeb-e-Ameer of the Gaibandha District unit Md. Abdul Warez. His liberation war credentials and long-standing religious image are expected to resonate strongly with rural voters.
NCP has hinted at fielding a lawyer, though the name has not yet been made public.
JaPa may nominate Golam Shahid Ranzu, President of Saghata Upazila BNP or Ataur Rahman Sarker, Adviser to the JaPa Chairman.
