RAJBARI, Dec 23: Political momentum is building up in Rajbari as two parliamentary constituencies of the district appear headed for a direct contest between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami in the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election.
With both parties nominating single candidates in Rajbari-1 and Rajbari-2, preparations on the ground have intensified, while internal rivalries and party strategies continue to shape the electoral landscape.
Rajbari-1 constituency comprises Rajbari Sadar and Goalanda upazilas, while Rajbari-2 consists of Pangsha, Baliakandi and Kalukhali upazilas. Leadership of both BNP and Jamaat claim they are fully geared up to contest and hopeful of victory.
RAJBARI-1: BNP has nominated former lawmaker and former District BNP president Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam, while Jamaat has nominated District Jamaat Ameer Advocate Nurul Islam. Both candidates have already collected nomination papers from the Returning Officer's office. Candidates from several smaller political parties have also made preparations to contest the polls.
Grassroots BNP leaders and activists, however, have expressed frustration over the nomination process. Central Krishak Dal Vice-President and Joint Convener of District BNP Advocate Aslam Mia, who had long been regarded as a strong contender, was left disappointed after not receiving the party ticket. Party insiders say he enjoys wide popularity for remaining active in politics for 17 years and for standing beside leaders and workers through difficult times.
Former Jubo Dal leader Abul Kashem said they had expected Aslam Mia to be nominated. Several BNP grassroots activists including Aminul Islam and Akidul Hasan fear that internal conflict may weaken BNP's chances in this seat if organisational unity is not restored.
District President of Jatiya Party (JaPa) Habibur Rahman said, his party is prepared to participate if the central leadership confirms its decision. Meanwhile, Abdullah Al Mamun, an Organiser of Rajbari National Citizen Party (NCP) and member of the district sports association, and central leader Sohel Tanvir have reportedly received party nominations from the NCP. Oman expatriate Jahangir Hossain has received nomination from Gono Odhikar Parishad, while IAB leaders Advocate Jahangir Alam Khan and Aminul Islam Kasemi have also collected nomination forms.
Historically, Rajbari-1 has largely remained under the influence of the Awami League (AL) since 1991, except in 2001 when BNP's Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam was elected MP. In 1991, AL candidate Advocate Wazed Ali Chowdhury won the seat. Following his sudden death, a by-election was held in the same year where AL's Kazi Keramat Ali was elected.
Jamaat candidate Advocate Nurul Islam said, he intends to work beyond partisan interests if elected and promised a just distribution of public services based on fairness. "An equity-based social system will bring welfare to all," he said, expressing optimism about people's support.
BNP nominee Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam has pledged to construct a second Padma bridge on the Daulatdia-Paturia river route and build the much-discussed Padma Barrage in Pangsha. Calling Daulatdia the "gateway to 21 districts of the southern region," he said recurring floods, storms and navigational disruptions demand a permanent solution. He added that water reservation through a barrage would benefit dry-season agriculture in the region.
Both BNP and Jamaat leadership claim they are receiving enthusiastic responses from voters. Nurul Islam said party leaders and activists are working across all wards to ensure victory. Khaiyam alleged that the previous AL government failed to develop Rajbari and instead fostered unrest and looting. He pledged extensive development initiatives if BNP returns to power.
This constituency has a total of 156 polling centres with 4,30,215 voters. Among them, 2,16,149 are male voters, 2,14,058 female voters and eight voters are from the transgender community.
RAJBARI-2: This constituency is also gearing up for a competitive election. Jamaat has nominated District Organisational Secretary Md Harunur Rashid. BNP, in its second phase of nomination announcements, named former District BNP general secretary Md Harunur Rashid (Harun).
BNP's former MP and former District BNP general secretary freedom fighter Nasirul Haque Sabu and former Central Swechchhasebak Dal vice-president Barrister Kazi Rahman Manik were among the nomination aspirants. After being denied the party ticket, Sabu bought nomination papers as an independent candidate and met deprived party leaders to consolidate his stance. He also held a press conference demanding a change in BNP's nomination decision before filing as an independent.
Harunur Rashid, however, has been trying to ease tension within the party. After securing the nomination, he met with deprived leaders and activists and urged unity for electoral success. His supporters claim, a majority of Sabu's followers are gradually rallying behind Harun.
Historically, Rajbari-2 used to be considered an AL stronghold, having been under their control five times from 1996 to 2024. In 1991, Jamaat candidate Dr AKM Aszad won the seat. Speaking to multiple voters, it appears that the main battle this year is likely between BNP and Jamaat, although Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB) also has a presence in the constituency.
Jamaat nominee Harunur Rashid said, they have already formed committees in 198 polling centres and public sentiment is strongly in their favour. He pledged to prioritise healthcare, education, agriculture, road infrastructure and welfare of underprivileged communities if elected.
BNP candidate Harunur Rashid said, the nation is passing through a difficult political moment and prayed for the recovery of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. "We want to participate in the election with a healthy Begum Khaleda Zia," he said, adding that he wants to work together with everyone to develop the constituency. He also said deprived leaders have assured him of support in ensuring BNP's victory.
Apart from BNP and Jamaat, NCP Central Committee Member Sayeed Jamil has collected nomination papers, while Central Student Rights Council Joint Secretary Mahbubur Rahman has also sought party nomination. IAB's Kalukhali Upazila President Hafez Maulana Abdul Malek has collected nomination papers as well.
This seat has 198 polling centres with 5,59,693 voters, including 2,85,609 male voters, 2,74,079 female voters and five transgender voters.
With multiple parties preparing to contest and internal equations still evolving, both Rajbari seats are shaping up for a politically intense and closely watched electoral battle where BNP and Jamaat appear poised as the primary contenders.
