Rajshahi Correspondent :
Rajshahi’s much-discussed parliamentary constituency is Rajshahi-4. Bagmara constituency, once known as the ‘bloody town’, was formed in 2008. Earlier, Rajshahi-3 parliamentary constituency consisted of Mohanpur-Bagmara upazila. BNP’s grassroots are also divided in the nomination contest for this constituency around the 13th National Parliament elections.
BNP is divided and Jamaat is the beneficiary of the split. The party is in a strong position in the field with a single candidate. Although the names of candidates from the Citizens’ Committee (NCP), Khelafat Majlis, BSD, Gana Sanghati Andolan and Gana Adhikar Parishad have come to the fore, they do not have any candidates or party campaigns. The main rivalry in the election will be between BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami. Rajshahi-4 consists of 16 unions and two municipal areas of the upazila. The number of voters is 3 lakh 54 thousand 6 hundred 64. Political heat is increasing here ahead of the 13th National Parliament elections. As several leaders of the party are seeking nomination, the division at the grassroots level is clear. In addition, open and closed groupings have been formed among supporters at the union and ward levels.
This has put BNP under considerable pressure in terms of electoral strategy, in addition to the lack of party unity. However, the seat has gained additional importance in every national election due to its political history, well-organized party status and voting equation. The new face of BNP here is Bagmara Upazila Convener DM Ziaur Rahman.
On the other hand, Jamaat-e-Islami is active in the field with a single candidate. The party has been strengthening its organizational activities in Bagmara area for a long time. BNP’s strong rival in this seat has become the Nayeb-e-Ameer of Upazila Jamaat, Dr. Abdul Bari, Director of Bhabaniganj Clinic. He has already gained wide popularity in the area through medical services.
The leaders of the concerned parties expect that Jamaat will retain this seat. Dr. Bari is seeking votes on the scales, the symbol of Jamaat-e-Islami, to build a clean and developed Bagmara. They are returning to the field with a commitment to build a just society by ending the chaos and all discrimination and violence in the society.
In addition, Jamaat has been able to strengthen its position through center-based worker management, regular organizational meetings and voter communication. The party is seeing the internal division of BNP as an opportunity.
