Rajshahi Correspondent :
The political equation of Rajshahi-3 constituency is changing rapidly with the upcoming 13th National Parliament elections.
This constituency, which has long been known as a stronghold of BNP, is showing a different picture this time.
Jamaat-e-Islami is in a relatively advantageous position with a single candidate. On the other hand, BNP is in trouble due to the dissatisfaction and non-cooperation of the leaders and activists deprived of nominations.
Leaders and activists who follow the nomination aspirants are still in the field demanding a change of candidate.
However, analysts say that the election results can change only if the voter turnout exceeds 60 percent.
Rajshahi-3 constituency consists of Paba and Mohanpur upazilas, which are the outskirts of the City Corporation in 2008.
There are 4 lakh 16 thousand 9 hundred and nine voters here. Of these, 207,080 are male, 209,824 are female and 5 are third gender.
In the last 12 elections, Awami League candidates won in 6 controversial elections. In addition, BNP was elected four times and Jatiya Party candidates were elected twice.
In the 13th election, BNP’s Central Relief and Rehabilitation Affairs Secretary and former General Secretary of Metropolitan BNP, Shafiqul Haque Milon, was nominated by BNP.
And Jamaat-e-Islami’s nomination was received by veteran politician and former assistant professor of Belpukur Ideal College, Abul Kalam Azad.
This constituency is heavily influenced by city-centric politics. There is a combination of two types of voters here, urban and rural.
The presence of educated middle class, government employees and agricultural dependents is notable here.
Voter turnout was relatively high in past elections and in addition to party identity, the personal acceptance and organizational strength of the candidate play an important role.
This seat, once known as a stronghold of BNP, has been in the hands of Awami League since 2008.
However, this time BNP wants to return the seat. On the other hand, Jamaat-e-Islami is strategically ahead by nominating a strong rival.
It is learned that Jamaat candidate Abul Kalam Azad has been serving as the chairman of Hargram Union Parishad for the past 27 years.
He is a member of the Sura Working Committee of Jamaat-e-Islami’s Kashiadanga Thana branch.
During the previous Awami League and BNP governments, the various strategies and charisma of both parties could never deprive Professor Abul Kalam Azad of the public’s vote.
Due to which there is considerable doubt about the victory of BNP, which is under internal pressure against an organized and united Jamaat.
