Patuakhali-2: Candidates brave freezing cold to hit campaign trail

BAUFAL, PATUAKHALI, Jan 8: Ignoring the biting cold, candidates contesting the 13th national parliamentary election in Patuakhali-2 (Baufal) are campaigning vigorously, canvassing votes from door to door. 

From dawn till late at night, the villages and towns of Baufal have been bustling with political activity, as hopeful candidates promise development and seek the electorate's support.

Patuakhali-2 constituency consists of 15 unions and one municipality, with a total of 315,282 registered voters. Among them, 154,784 are women, 160,497 are men, and one is registered as a third-gender voter. Compared to the 12th national election, when the voter count was 293,324, this election sees an increase of 21,958 voters. There are 115 polling centers in the upazila, of which the Election Commission has classified 80 as high-risk. To ensure smooth and secure voting, the Assistant Returning Officer has ordered installation of CCTV cameras at all polling stations, and verbal instructions have already been given to the head teachers of each center.

After scrutiny of nomination papers, six candidates were declared valid to contest the Patuakhali-2 Baufal seat: BNP's Shahidul Alam Talukdar of BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami's Dr. Shafiqul Islam Masud, Islami Andolan's Malek Hossain, Khelafat Majlis's Muhammad Ayub Hossain, Gono Odhikar Parishad's Md. Habibur Rahman , and Amar Bangladesh Party's Md. Ruhul Amin.

Political analysts predict that while six candidates are contesting, the main contest is expected to be between Shahidul Alam Talukdar of BNP and Dr. Shafiqul Islam Masud of Jamaat-e-Islami. Voter attention is largely focused on these two candidates, and rural roads are now thronged with their supporters and campaigners.

According to party sources, Shahidul Alam Talukdar is actively attending special prayers and milads organised in memory of the late BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, appealing to voters to cast their ballots for the 'Paddy Sheaf' symbol. Shahidul Alam was elected as Member of Parliament  (MP)from this constituency in 2001 under the BNP ticket. In 1996, he narrowly lost the election by just 24 votes, generating significant political discussion. Since Bangladesh's independence, Talukdar has served as chairman of Dhulia Union Parishad and has twice been elected as Upazila Parishad chairman.

Ahead of the 13th parliamentary election, BNP faced internal divisions over candidate nominations. However, after the party's candidate was declared, top BNP leaders united to support Talukdar, erasing doubts about his chances. Today, all BNP leaders and workers, previously divided, are campaigning under one banner. Talukdar's supporters claim there is no candidate capable of matching his popularity; they believe voters will overwhelmingly reject Jamaat. If history repeats, Talukdar is expected to reclaim the Patuakhali-2 seat, once again taking his place in parliament under the 'Paddy Sheaf'symbol.

On the other hand, Dr. Shafiqul Islam Masud of Jamaat-e-Islami is contesting for the first time against Talukdar. Despite being a newcomer, Masud is considered a heavyweight candidate. During the Awami League (AL) government's tenure, Masud faced numerous political cases but continued to maintain strong ties with locals, assisting the needy and underprivileged. After the July Movement, Jamaat's activities in Baufal increased significantly under his leadership. His team has organised free health camps, distributed winter clothing, recognized outstanding students, repaired roads and bridges, and engaged youth in development programmes. Local Jamaat workers are actively seeking votes on behalf of 'Balance Scale', emphasising Masud's clean public image and disciplined leadership. Supporters believe that if voting is peaceful, Masud will be victorious in the upcoming election.

Currently, one of the major concerns for residents is Boga Ferry, the only crossing over the Boga River. Locals from Baufal and neighbouring upazilas have long demanded a bridge, citing the hardships caused by the ferry. In addition, development in riverine Chandrapdi Union lags far behind. Living standards are low, and government services are minimal. Roads across Baufal are in poor condition; even paved roads are riddled with potholes, while several remain unusable. Many educational institutions suffer from crumbling infrastructure, and corruption during construction has left buildings dilapidated.

In the town of Kalaiya, a major commercial hub, modern public amenities are lacking. Businesspeople stress the need for at least five modern public toilets, parking facilities, drainage systems, cattle markets, and shaded areas at rice markets. 

Addressing these issues, BNP and Jamaat candidates and their supporters have been visiting households daily, promising development to secure votes.

Political analysts note that while BNP and Jamaat previously formed alliances against opponents, in this 13th parliamentary election, Jamaat has emerged as BNP's main competitor in Patuakhali-2. The ultimate winner will only be known once votes are counted.

The Assistant Returning Officer and Baufal Upazila Nirbahi Officer Saleh Ahmed stated that preparations are underway to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful election. Heads of all institutions have been instructed to install CCTV cameras, and access routes to polling stations are being made suitable for voters. Officials are confident that all targets will be met well before election day.