AMTALI, BARGUNA, Feb 8: With only a few days left before polling in the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election, election campaigning and public discussions have intensified across Barguna-1 constituency comprising Barguna Sadar, Amtali and Taltali upazilas.
From neighbourhood gatherings and tea stalls to haat-bazaars, voters are actively debating the electoral race, focusing on who is leading and who will ultimately secure victory. The constituency, traditionally regarded as an Awami League (AL) stronghold, is witnessing a different political dynamic this time as the party is not contesting the election.
Although four candidates are in the race, local discussions mainly revolve around BNP nominee Md Nazrul Islam Molla and Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB) candidate Maulana Mahmudul Hossain Oli Ullah. Residents believe that the direction of votes from AL supporters, in the absence of the party's own candidate, will be the decisive factor in determining the result.
In previous parliamentary elections, no party other than the AL managed to win the seat. Even in polls where rebel AL candidates contested, opposition parties failed to capitalise on the split, making Barguna-1 a traditionally one-sided constituency. However, this time, the absence of the ruling party has created a competitive atmosphere, with candidates intensifying efforts to attract the party's substantial vote bank.
According to the Barguna District Election Office, the candidates are BNP's Md Nazrul Islam Molla, contesting with the Sheaf of Paddy symbol; IAB's Maulana Mahmudul Hossain Oli Ullah, carrying the Hand Fan symbol; Jahangir Hossain of Khelafat Majlish, backed by the 11-Party Alliance, with the Wall-Clock symbol; and Jatiya Party nominee Jamal Hossain, contesting with the Bicycle symbol.
Despite the presence of four contenders, grassroots-level conversations suggest that the contest is largely confined between the BNP and IAB candidates. BNP leaders and activists have been actively campaigning across villages and urban centres in a bid to break the party's long-standing losing streak in the constituency.
Hasanur Rahman Jhantu, former president of the Barguna Press Club, said the voting pattern of AL supporters would play a crucial role. "If the votes go in one direction, the result will be clear. But if the votes are divided or turnout remains low, the winner may be decided with a relatively small margin," he said.
BNP District Convener and candidate Md Nazrul Islam Molla said people of Barguna-1 were seeking change and development. He pledged to work for infrastructure development, employment generation and the protection of people's rights if elected.
