All Candidates Eyes on Awami League’s Vote Bank

Preparations are intensifying in Khulna-6 (Koyra-Paikgacha) ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election. The constituency has a total of 423,331 registered voters, comprising 212,869 men and 210,461 women. Five political parties are fielding candidates in this constituency. Although the Awami League is not contesting directly this time, its sizeable supporter base is widely regarded as the decisive factor in determining the election outcome.

Historical Election Performance

An analysis of the last 12 parliamentary elections indicates that Awami League candidates have emerged victorious six times, the highest among all parties. Both the National Party and Jamaat-e-Islami have won twice each, while the BNP has secured a single victory in 1979. Notable results include the Jamaat candidate’s victory in 1991 following the fall of Ershad, the Awami League win in the June 1996 elections, and the BNP-backed Jamaat victory in 2001. Since 2008, the Awami League has consistently retained the seat. Historically, the party’s candidates could expect 40–42% of the vote share.

The Role of Floating Votes

Local sources indicate that the so-called “floating votes” of Awami League supporters will likely determine this election. All candidates are therefore focusing their campaigns on securing these pivotal votes. Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Md. Abul Kalam Azad initially engaged with local representatives to consolidate support, though the influence has fluctuated as the election approaches. BNP candidate S. M. Monirul Hasan Bappy, symbolised by the “Paddy Sheaf,” held a major rally at Paikgacha Government College ground on 3 February.

Communist Party candidate Prashanta Kumar Mondal emphasised, “Awami League voters are largely floating this year, and these votes will decide the final outcome.” Other candidates include Md. Asadullah Fakir of Islami Andolan Bangladesh and Md. Mostafa Kamal Jahangir of the National Party.

Campaign Strategies and Voter Mobilisation

In the closing stages, candidates are going door-to-door to appeal directly to voters. Local Jamaat leaders remain confident that Awami League supporters will cast their votes as expected. BNP has reportedly adopted an independent campaign strategy, strengthening its voter outreach. According to Sheikh Moniruzzaman, General Secretary of SUJAN’s Koyra branch, “The election atmosphere is festive, with candidates ensuring that Awami League’s silent supporters actively participate in the voting process.”

The key contest is expected to be between the BNP and Jamaat candidates, but ultimately, the distribution of floating votes will shape the political landscape of Khulna-6.