In a closely watched contest in the Barishal-3 constituency, comprising the areas of Muladi and Babuganj, the prominent Amar Bangladesh Party candidate, Asaduzzaman Bhuiyan (Barrister Fuad), was defeated by the BNP nominee Zainal Abedin by a margin of 21,000 votes, according to unofficial results.
The official outcome was announced on Thursday, 12 February, by Asma Ul Husna, Executive Officer of Babuganj Upazila and Assistant Returning Officer. The election, contested across 126 polling centres, saw Abedin securing a decisive victory with 78,131 votes, while Fuad, running under the Eagle symbol, received 57,149 votes.
The Barishal-3 seat, historically considered a key battleground, drew significant attention due to Fuad’s high-profile candidacy and campaign. Despite a spirited campaign and notable public engagement, Fuad was unable to overcome Abedin’s lead. Analysts suggest that local issues and party loyalty played a crucial role in shaping voter preferences.
Key Voting Statistics – Barishal-3
| Candidate | Party | Symbol | Votes Received |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zainal Abedin | BNP | – | 78,131 |
| Asaduzzaman Bhuiyan (Barrister Fuad) | Amar Bangladesh Party | Eagle | 57,149 |
The constituency has a total of 310,092 registered voters, of which 156,846 are male, 153,245 are female, and one voter identifies as third gender. Voter turnout and demographic distribution are expected to be closely analysed in coming days to assess trends and patterns for future elections.
The result marks a notable moment in local politics, with observers pointing out that while Fuad’s defeat was significant, his candidacy nonetheless increased the visibility of his party in the region. Discussions are already underway regarding the implications of this election for upcoming parliamentary contests and the shifting dynamics of Barishal politics.
