Rajbari-1: The Battle for the Padma’s Future

Rajbari Correspondent: As the 2026 General Election approaches, the political temperature in the Rajbari-1 constituency has reached a fever pitch. On Monday afternoon, the Shahid Khushi Railway Maidan was transformed into a sea of supporters as Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) candidate and former Member of Parliament, held his final election rally.

An Emotional Appeal to the Electorate

Addressing the massive crowd, Khaiyam’s voice wavered with emotion as he reflected on a lifetime dedicated to public service. "Since my youth, politics has been the very fabric of my existence," he remarked. "I have spent my years alongside the hardworking souls of this land—the rickshaw pullers, blacksmiths, potters, and weavers. You are not just constituents; you are my family."

Khaiyam emphasised his record of integrity, asserting that he has never succumbed to corruption or caused harm to his fellow citizens. His speech concluded with a poignant wish: "I shall eventually pass away, but I desire to live on in your hearts through the legacy of my work." Following the rally, a colossal procession marched through the arterial roads of Rajbari, signalling a formidable show of strength for the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ (Dhaner Sheer) symbol.

The Architect of Modern Rajbari

Khaiyam’s political journey is a rare narrative of consistency. Having served three historic terms as the Chairman and Mayor of Rajbari Municipality, he earned the moniker "The Architect of Modern Rajbari." His tenure saw a radical overhaul of urban infrastructure, including advanced drainage systems and sanitation.

Now, on the national stage, his 2026 manifesto focuses on three pillars:

Eradicating Unemployment: Creating sustainable local jobs.

The Padma Barrage: Championing the National Committee for the Implementation of the Padma Barrage and the Second Padma Bridge.

River Erosion Control: Implementing permanent solutions for the vulnerable communities along the Padma’s banks.

Key Candidate Profile: Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam

A High-Stakes Contest

The 2026 election is particularly significant following years of political upheaval. While several parties, including the Jatiya Party, are fielding candidates, analysts predict a sophisticated two-way contest between the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami.

For the people of Rajbari-1, this is more than a vote for a representative; it is a referendum on the development of the South-Western region. Khaiyam’s history of activism—specifically his leadership in the movement to protect the Goalundo and Daulatdia ghats from river erosion—positions him as a candidate deeply entwined with the geography of the land. As the polls open, the nation watches to see if his legacy of "development politics" will prevail over his rivals.