RAJBARI, Feb 8: With the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election just days away, candidates in Rajbari District have stepped up their campaigns, signalling a last-minute push for voter support. In the two parliamentary constituencies-Rajbari-1 (Gopalganj and Rajbari Sadar) and Rajbari-2 (Pangsha, Baliakandi, Kalukhali)-political parties are preparing for major rallies and roadshows this Sunday.
According to the District Jamaat-e-Islami leadership, a large rally and procession will be held in Rajbari-1 to support the party's candidate, while the BNP has also announced similar campaign activities. Sources suggest a heated contest is expected in Rajbari-1 between Jamaat and BNP-backed candidates. In contrast, Rajbari-2 presents a different picture.
In Rajbari-2, voter enthusiasm has been affected following the withdrawal of Jamaat's candidate Harunur Rashid (Harun Master) and the nomination of NCP's Jamil Hejaji. Many local voters have expressed reluctance to cast their votes as they were unable to support their preferred candidate.
Abu Yusuf, a voter from the Magura Dangi area, said, "I won't go to the polling station. I had campaigned for my teacher, Harun Master, but he has been replaced at the last minute. Voters are confused and unprepared to accept the new candidate."
Meanwhile, the BNP candidate for Rajbari-2, Harunur Rashid, faces competition from independent candidate Nasirul Haque Sabu, also a former BNP MP. While Rashid is leading in campaign activities, Sabu is leveraging his popularity among long-standing voters in Baliakandi, Sonapur, Bahrpur, Jamalpur, Kalukhali, and Pangsha town areas to strengthen his position.
Local voters have praised Sabu's approachable demeanour. Nasir Uddin, a Pangsha town resident, said, "Sabu is polite and a good man. We support him, and many believe he has a real chance to win."
Sources noted that several of the other six candidates in Rajbari-2 are largely absent from field activities, relying mainly on online and social media campaigns. Some are allegedly using family reputation, party influence, or business connections to secure support, while others are accused of misusing money to sway votes.
Voters, however, appear more discerning this election. Many expressed that candidates must clearly communicate their manifestos and align their promises with the public's expectations. The electorate has grown cautious of empty pledges, expecting candidates to demonstrate commitment before gaining votes.
Observers say that this shift in voter mentality could influence the election outcome in Rajbari-2, where traditional methods of influence may no longer be effective.
