As the 13th National Parliamentary Election approaches, political tensions are steadily rising across the Rajshahi region.
Although candidates from multiple parties are contesting in Rajshahi’s six constituencies and surrounding areas, voters say the primary contest is shaping up to be between the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami.
In Rajshahi-1, the sheaf-of-paddy candidate, retired Major General Sharif Uddin, began his election campaign yesterday in Jhumarpara of Badhair Union. From village lanes and courtyards to roadside gatherings, residents expressed hope for change. While greeting voters and listening to their grievances, Sharif Uddin said the struggle was not for power, but for human rights and dignity.
Meanwhile, during a campaign event in Dhurail Union of Mohanpur Upazila on Wednesday morning, BNP candidate Advocate Shafiqul Haque Milon said that if BNP comes to power, its foreign policy would be based on mutual respect. Emphasizing national sovereignty, he said Bangladesh would not bow to any external pressure, alleging that the previous government had compromised independence by surrendering national interests to India. BNP, he said, would follow the principle of “friendship with all, domination by none.”
He also stated that BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman has pledged to construct the Padma Barrage for the development of Rajshahi and the country. Referring to India’s Farakka Barrage, he said it had turned the northern region into a semi-desert. To address this, he added, canal excavation and dredging of the Padma River would be undertaken to restore water flow.
In Rajshahi-3 (Paba–Mohanpur), considered a key constituency in regional politics, campaigning around the scales symbol has intensified. Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Abul Kalam Azad claimed strong public support, saying, “Bangladesh will be governed in the future based on the July Charter. This referendum is not merely a vote—it is a decision that will shape the next hundred years of the nation and break the chains of long-standing subjugation.”
He made the remarks on Wednesday evening at Nawhata College Mor while inaugurating a campaign vehicle for the ‘Yes’ vote under the slogan, “Vote Yes in the Referendum for Change.” The formal inauguration will be conducted by Rana Islam, younger brother of July mass uprising martyr Ali Raihan.
In his speech, Professor Abul Kalam Azad said the referendum aims to amend the constitution and establish a Bangladesh founded on justice and fairness. Past constitutional amendments, he claimed, had bound the nation in subjugation, while the proposed referendum would pave the way for an independent, just, and humane Bangladesh.
In Rajshahi-4 (Bagmara), the electoral picture is becoming clearer. Based on ground realities, voter response, and statistical analysis, political observers believe there is a strong possibility of a decisive victory for the scales symbol. Jamaat-e-Islami-nominated candidate Dr. Abdul Bari Sardar recently said in a video message that people want peace, not unrest. Local voters say his long-standing medical services to the community have earned him widespread acceptance.
In Rajshahi-5 (Durgapur–Puthia), leaders of the Rajshahi District and Durgapur–Puthia Upazila committees of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA) submitted a memorandum to BNP-nominated candidate Professor Nazrul Islam Mondal following a discussion. BAPA and the Bangladesh Poribesh Network (BEN) called for the inclusion of climate and environmental issues in both national and constituency-specific election manifestos.
In Rajshahi-6 (Charghat–Bagha), Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Principal Nazmul Haque said corruption is Bangladesh’s most serious problem and the primary reason the country has fallen behind. If elected, he said, Jamaat-e-Islami would prioritize eliminating corruption, Insha’Allah.