Although the election schedule for Rangpur City Corporation (RpCC) has not yet been announced, potential mayoral candidates have already intensified their activities in the city.
Long before Eid al-Azha, aspirants have put up colorful posters across Rangpur, extended Eid greetings to voters, and begun informal campaigning, including public relations drives and small meetings aimed at building voter support.
So far, at least nine individuals have expressed interest in contesting the mayoral post and have begun early groundwork. Their activities are gradually shaping an increasingly competitive political environment in Rangpur.
From the BNP, three possible candidates are in discussion. Mahfujunnabi Don, the current city administrator and Metropolitan BNP member secretary, is widely seen as a leading contender and is already active in public engagement and organizational outreach. Shahidul Islam Mizu, senior joint convener of the city BNP and a former student leader, has also been conducting extensive campaign-style activities while seeking party nomination. Meanwhile, Metropolitan BNP convener Shamsuzzaman Shamu has indicated that he may enter the race if endorsed by the party leadership, citing his past electoral performance and vote share.
Within the National Citizen Party (NCP), northern spokesperson Sarjis Alam is reportedly being considered as a potential candidate, though he has not made a formal announcement. Internal discussions within the Rangpur NCP unit continue, with some leaders also advocating for former municipal chairman Abdur Rouf Manik, who has expressed willingness to contest if nominated. Party members emphasize the need for a clean, acceptable, and locally rooted candidate.
The Jatiya Party has already confirmed its position, with former two-time mayor Mostafizur Rahman Mostafa declaring his intention to run again. He has maintained steady door-to-door campaigning despite uncertainty over the election timeline.
Meanwhile, smaller political and ideological groups—including the AB Party, Islamic Movement, and the Left Democratic Alliance—have yet to announce candidates or show significant campaign activity. Independent aspirant Mahbubar Rahman and Banglar Kokh chairman Tanvir Hossain Ashrafi are also actively engaging with the public and attending local events, signaling their intent to participate.
Overall, Rangpur is witnessing an early and increasingly dynamic mayoral contest, with political momentum building well before the official election schedule is released.
