BNP–Jamaat Contest Surges in Rajshahi Division

The 13th National Parliamentary Election witnessed a remarkable political contest in Bangladesh’s Rajshahi Division, highlighting the growing influence of Jamaat-e-Islami alongside the traditionally dominant BNP. Out of the division’s 39 constituencies, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured 28 seats, yet Jamaat made a significant advance, a development that stands out given the party’s historically minimal presence in the region. Notably, Jamaat had not won any seat in the division during the last competitive election in 2008, and in the 2001 four-party alliance, it had captured only two seats.

Rajshahi Division Overview

The division comprises eight districts: Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, Naogaon, Natore, Pabna, Joypurhat, Bogura, and Sirajganj. Political analysts attribute the BNP’s loss of some constituencies to organisational weaknesses, while Jamaat’s surge is largely credited to the mobilization of female voters and a sustained grassroots campaign.

Emergence of New Jamaat Faces

Jamaat successfully elected ten new parliamentarians in this cycle, signalling a generational shift and the party’s strategic expansion. The details are as follows:

Additionally, Rajshahi-1 witnessed the return of Professor Mujibur Rahman, who had last been elected in 1986.

BNP Dominance in Select Districts

BNP maintained full control in Bogura and Natore districts, securing all seven and four seats respectively. Of particular note, BNP chairman Tarique Rahman contested from Bogura-6. Historically, these districts offered Jamaat no foothold in 2001 and 2008, underlining BNP’s entrenched position there.

Jamaat Gains Ground in Chapainawabganj

In Chapainawabganj, Jamaat captured all three constituencies, previously BNP strongholds. Political analyst Shafiqul Alam commented, “Female voter engagement has propelled Jamaat’s gains. They have been active in the field since August, whereas BNP candidates were finalised only three months prior, limiting their effectiveness.”

District BNP secretary Rafiqul Islam criticised local candidate Harunur Rashid for the party’s setbacks. He remarked, “Since 2018, he had not been active locally. He failed to coordinate with the party committee on 5 August and acted independently, which eroded voter interest in the BNP.”

The election results in Rajshahi Division indicate a nuanced political landscape, with Jamaat’s resurgence and strategic campaigning challenging BNP’s traditional dominance. Observers suggest that voter mobilisation, especially among women, and candidate preparedness were decisive factors in this closely fought contest.