PANCHAGARH, Feb 9: Panchagarh District, comprising five upazilas and three municipalities, holds two parliamentary seats, numbered Panchagarh-1 and Panchagarh-2.
A total of 15 candidates, including one independent, are contesting across these constituencies. Seven party candidates are competing in Panchagarh-1, while Panchagarh-2 has eight contestants, including the independent candidate.
Historically, BNP controlled both seats. This changed after the Awami League (AL) came to power in 2008, with the AL holding them for four consecutive terms. BNP aims to reclaim them, but faces stiff competition, including from Jamaat-e-Islami, which is eager to win under the NCP alliance banner. Many observers predict a three-way fight in both constituencies. Campaigning and mass communication efforts by candidates and supporters continue intensively from morning until late night.
PANCHAGARH-1: The constituency covers Tentulia, Sadar, and Atwari upazilas.
The seven candidates who are contesting are: BNP's Barrister Muhammad Nowshad (Paddy Sheaf symbol); the Jamaat-led 11-Party Alliance's Sarjis Alam (Shapla Koli); Bangladesh JSD's Nazmul Haque, backed by the Democratic United Front (Motor Car); Gono Odhikar Parishad (GOP)'s Mahfuzar Rahman (Truck); Bangladesh Labour Party's Ferdous Alam (Pineapple); Bangladesh Supreme Party's Abdul Wadud Badsha (Ektara); and Bangladesh Nationalist Front's Sirajul Islam (Television).
This constituency has 463,700 voters: 231,976 males, 231,723 females, and one Hijra. Voters anticipate a three-way contest between BNP's Barrister Nowshad, the 11-Party Alliance's Sarjis Alam, and JSD's Nazmul Haque.
In the disputed 2018 election, BNP's Nowshad received 132,539 votes but lost under special arrangements. He has been conducting long-term public relations, banking on his father Barrister Muhammad Zamiruddin Sarkar's legacy as a former minister and speaker, and is fully optimistic of victory.
Jamaat initially announced Professor Iqbal Hossain as its candidate but ceded the seat to NCP's northern chief organiser Sarjis Alam after forming an alliance. Alam, campaigning with the Shapla Koli symbol, is also fully confident.
JSD General Secretary Nazmul Haque, using the Motor Car symbol, is known for his role in the 90s anti-Ershad movement. He claims a strong response from voters. While all candidates campaign vigorously, Haque notes the absence of a level-playing field.
PANCHAGARH-2: The constituency covers Boda and Debiganj upazilas.
The eight candidates who are contesting are: BNP's Farhad Hossain Azad (Paddy Sheaf); the Jamaat-nominated 11-Party Alliance's Shafiul Alam Sufi (Scale); Bangladesh JSD's Professor Emran Al Amin (Motor Car); Jatiya Party's Lutfar Rahman Ripon (Plough); CPB's Ashraful Alam (Sickle); Bangladesh Supreme Party's Delwar Hossain (Ektara); Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB)'s Kamrul Hasan Pradhan (Hand Fan); and independent candidate Mahmud Hossain Sumon (Horse).
The constituency has 417,529 voters: 209,708 males, 207,818 females, and three Hijras.
BNP candidate Farhad Hossain Azad faces controversy, particularly over cases of assault and looting after August 5, which voters believe may impact his chances, though he remains optimistic.
Jamaat's Shafiul Alam Sufi, campaigning with the Scale symbol, is seen as advantageously positioned. Independent candidate Mahmud Hossain Sumon, using the Horse symbol, is a strong contender.
