JOYPURHAT, Dec 26: With the 13th national parliamentary election approaching, political activity has intensified in Joypurhat's two constituencies.
Alongside seasoned party figures, a new face has drawn attention-rickshaw van driver and day-labourer Isa Alek. His entry into the race has made him the focal point of local discussions, beyond the formal list of candidates.
According to the district election office, a total of 14 aspirants from BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, AB Party, BSD, and independents have collected nomination papers for Joypurhat-1 and Joypurhat-2 constituencies. Eight candidates are vying for Joypurhat-1, while six are contesting Joypurhat-2.
For Joypurhat-1, BNP's Senior Joint Convener of the District unit Masud Rana Pradhan collected nomination papers as the party's candidate. Jamaat's District Amir Fazlur Rahman Saeed and AB Party's Sultan Md Shamsuzzaman also collected papers. From BSD, Wazed Parvez joined the race.
Independent candidates include Jalal Uddin Mondal of Bulupara, Ataur Rahman of Karai Westpara, Sabekun Nahar Sikha of Danezpur, and Isa Alek of Shirtti Village in Panchbibi Upazila-who earns his living as a van driver and day-labourer.
Political analysts say Isa Alek's candidacy sends a unique message in Joypurhat politics, breaking away from the elite circles of party leadership. Having long survived on van-pulling and daily wages, he presents himself as a 'representative of ordinary people'. Locals note that his bold stance outside the politics of money and power has struck a chord with many voters.
One voter, Razzak, remarked, "Isa Alek speaks for people like us who toil every day. If he can enter parliament, the poor will finally have a voice."
In Joypurhat-2, BNP's candidate is former secretary Abdul Bari, while Jamaat nominated District Assistant Secretary SM Rashedul Alam Sabuj.
Independent candidates include BNP Executive Committee Member and former MP Engineer Golam Mostafa, former BNP student leader Abbas Ali of Mahmudpur, Central Krishak Dal Climate Affairs Secretary Sirajul Islam of Ganipur, and Aminur Islam of the same village.
District election officer Mahmud Hasan said, the deadline for submitting nomination papers to the returning officer and assistant returning officer is December 29. So far, none of the aspirants has formally submitted their papers.
Joypurhat currently has 817,966 registered voters.
This election in Joypurhat is not only a test of party strength but also of how far marginal voices can find representation. In that context, van driver Isa Alek has become a symbol of grassroots aspiration. Whether voters ultimately choose him or the established figures remains to be seen.
