KHAGRACHHARI, Jan 13: In the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election, the Khagrachhari-298 constituency is shaping up to be one of the most contested battlegrounds.
Major parties such as BNP and Jamaat are finding themselves challenged not only by their traditional rivals but also by the powerful vote banks controlled by unregistered regional organisations.
Early indications from the field suggest that these local forces, particularly in the remote hill tracts, may play a decisive role in determining the outcome.
Although the electoral code of conduct restricts formal campaigning until after the schedule is announced, candidates and their supporters are already employing various strategies to win over voters. For now, the atmosphere on the ground remains relatively peaceful.
Khagrachhari, among the three hill districts, boasts the highest number of voters. Historically, national parties have dominated parliamentary contests here, but regional organisations have maintained a strong presence in local politics. Ethnic and communal considerations have always influenced voting patterns, and this election is no exception.
A review of past elections shows that BNP has won twice, Jatiya Party once, and Awami League five times in Khagrachhari. Yet, no regional organisation-backed or independent candidate has ever secured victory in a parliamentary race. The story is different in local government elections, where independents supported by regional groups have often triumphed. Seeking to translate that success to the national stage, several unregistered regional organisations have now united.
The United People's Democratic Front (UPDF), split into two factions, along with the Parbatya Chattogram Jana Samhati Samiti (JSS) and their allied civic and social groups, have rallied behind a single independent candidate: former Dighinala Upazila Chairman Dharmajyoti Chakma.
Labrechhai Marma, an independent candidate whose nomination was cancelled, said he refrained from appealing the decision since civic groups had already thrown their support behind Dharmajyoti. "There is consensus for a single candidate representing the hill people's rights," he noted.
Sudarshan Chakma, Joint General Secretary of JSS, argued that national parties have consistently failed the hill communities. "They show one face before coming to power and another once in government. This time, the hill people no longer trust them. We must place faith in the aspirations of our own people," he said.
Jamaat's candidate, Yakub Ali, claimed he has been working since March 2025 after receiving party nomination. He reported positive responses from both hill and Bengali voters and expressed optimism about victory if the polls are conducted fairly.
BNP's candidate, Wadud Bhuiyan, recalled his previous tenure as MP, during which he said he worked for the development of all communities in the district. He lamented being unable to contest elections during what he termed the "fascist regime." Now, ahead of the February 12 polls, he sees renewed enthusiasm on the ground. "If elected, I will ensure inclusive development without discrimination," he pledged.
This year, Khagrachhari constituency has 554,114 registered voters. Seven candidates remain in the race: BNP's Wadud Bhuiyan, Jamaat's Eyakub Ali, Jatiya Party's Mithila Roaja, Islami Andolon Bangladesh's Maulana Kawsar Azizi, Bangladesh Minority Janata Party's Ushepru Marma, Insaniyat Biplob Bangladesh's Md Nur Islam, and independent Dharmajyoti Chakma.
Initially, 15 candidates submitted nomination papers. On January 3, Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner Anwar Sadat declared seven valid after scrutiny, while eight were rejected due to various irregularities.
