BOGURA, Feb 7: The upcoming parliamentary election in Bogura-2 (Shibganj) is shaping up as a high-stakes contest as candidates intensify campaigns ahead of February 12 voting.
Mahmudur Rahman Manna, President of Nagorik Oikko, has entered the race, but the main battle is expected to be among BNP's Mir Shah Alam, known for contesting under the Paddy Sheaf symbol, and Jamaat-e-Islami's veteran candidate and former MP Maulana Shahadutzzaman.
Bogura-2 is considered a key constituency alongside Bogura-6. Six candidates are contesting for the seat, including Manna, who previously served as vice president of Dhaka University's student unions, DUCSU and Chatro Shomaj. Though BNP initially did not nominate Manna, he eventually decided to contest from his native Shibganj after facing procedural obstacles. His candidacy in Bogura-2 had earlier been challenged by the district returning officer over alleged loan defaults, but the High Court later restored his eligibility.
BNP's Mir Shah Alam is contesting on the Paddy Sheaf symbol, while Jamaat's Maulana Shahadutzzaman, a former MP, is also a strong contender. The main focus is expected to be a three-way battle among Manna, Shah Alam, and Shahadutzzaman, although the constituency includes six candidates in total.
All candidates are promising development projects to woo voters. Campaigning across Shibganj, they are reaching out to local residents through street meetings, door-to-door visits, and public rallies. Voters, especially young and educated constituents, are listening attentively, though the final ballot outcome remains uncertain.
BNP candidate Mir Shah Alam urged voters to support him, saying his nomination by party chairman Tarique Rahman was to serve Shibganj residents. He promised local development, job creation, and welfare initiatives, emphasizing that BNP's past terms brought progress while 17 years under the "fascist" Awami League government saw neglect and stagnation. He pledged to ensure employment for youth, provide family card-based food support for the poor and lower-middle class, and implement infrastructure projects if elected.
Jamaat candidate Maulana Shahadutzzaman called for a "Yes" vote in line with the party's platform. He promised to upgrade roads, improve education in madrasas and other institutions, and provide technical training for youth instead of direct allowances. He emphasized gender-sensitive development programs and vowed to tackle long-standing infrastructure problems, including unpaved roads that cause hardship during the monsoon.
Nagorik Oikko President Manna is campaigning vigorously across his constituency, meeting voters in Shibganj and surrounding areas. He said, if elected, he would prioritize local development, protect people's lives and property, and fight corruption. Manna, who has previously held leadership roles under both BNP and Awami League, said his strong ties with the local population motivate him to contest from Bogura-2 despite challenges.
