13th National Parliament Elections: Netrokona District

Known as a stronghold of the Awami League, Netrokona district is witnessing an intense electoral contest this time. With the Awami League not participating in the election, voters are recalculating the political equation. In the upcoming 13th National Parliament elections, while the main contest is expected between BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, the Jatiya Party may also spring a surprise. Here is an overview of the electoral contests across Netrokona’s five constituencies.

Netrokona-1 (Parliamentary Constituency No. 157):  Netrokona-1 comprises Kolmakanda Upazila and Durgapur Upazila.

Candidates: Six candidates are contesting: Barrister Kaiser Kamal of BNP (sheaf of paddy), Md Alkas Uddin Mir of the Communist Party of Bangladesh (sickle), Golam Rabbani of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish (rickshaw), Md Anwar Hossain Khan of Jatiya Party (plough), Md A Mannan (Sohag) of Islami Andolan Bangladesh (hand fan), and Md Belal Hossain of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal—JSD (star).

Elected MPs: In 1986, Sirajul Islam of the Awami League was elected; in 1988, Sirajul Islam won as an independent. Abdul Karim Abbasi of BNP won in 1991, Jalal Uddin Talukdar of the Awami League in 1996, Abdul Karim Abbasi (BNP) again in 2001, and Mostak Ahmed Ruhi of the Awami League in 2008.

Netrokona-2 (Parliamentary Constituency No. 158): This constituency comprises Netrokona Sadar Upazila and Barhatta Upazila.

Candidates: Five candidates are contesting: Abdur Rahim of Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon (banyan tree), Md Fahim Rahman Khan Pathan of National Citizens Party—NCP (water lily bud), Md Anwarul Haque of BNP (sheaf of paddy), A B M Rafiqul Haque Talukdar of Jatiya Party (plough), and Abdul Kaiyum of Islami Andolan Bangladesh (hand fan).

Elected MPs: Jalal Uddin Talukdar of the Awami League won in 1986. Abu Abbas of BNP was elected in 1991. Fazlur Rahman Khan (Awami League) won in 1996, Abdul Momin (Awami League) in 2001, Abu Abbas (BNP) in the 2004 by-election, and Ashraf Ali Khan Khasru of the Awami League in 2008.

Netrokona-3 (Parliamentary Constituency No. 159): Netrokona-3 comprises Atpara Upazila and Kendua Upazila.

Candidates: Six candidates are in the race: Md Zakir Hossain of Islami Andolan Bangladesh (hand fan), Md Abul Hossain Talukdar of Jatiya Party (plough), Md Shamsuddoha of Islamic Front Bangladesh (chair), Rafiqul Islam Hilali of BNP (sheaf of paddy), Md Delwar Hossain Bhuiyan (independent—horse), and Md Khairul Kabir Niyogi of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami (scales).

Elected MPs: Fazlur Rahman Khan (Awami League) won in 1986; Ashraf Uddin Khan won as an independent in 1988. Jubed Ali (Awami League) was elected in 1991. Nurul Amin Talukdar of BNP won in 1996 and again in 2001. In 2008, Manjur Kader Quraishi of the Awami League was elected.

Netrokona-4 (Parliamentary Constituency No. 160): This constituency comprises Mohanganj, Khaliajuri, and Madan upazilas.

Candidates: Five candidates are contesting: Jali Talukdar of the Communist Party of Bangladesh (sickle), Champa Rani Sarkar of the Revolutionary Workers Party (spade), Md Al-Helal of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami (scales), Md Lutfuzzaman Babar of BNP (sheaf of paddy), and Md Mokhlesur Rahman of Islami Andolan Bangladesh (hand fan).

Elected MPs: Jubed Ali (Awami League) won in 1986; Lutfuzzaman Babar won as an independent in 1991. Abdul Momin (Awami League) was elected in 1996, Lutfuzzaman Babar (BNP) in 2001, and Rebekah Momin of the Awami League in 2008.

Netrokona-5 (Parliamentary Constituency No. 161): Netrokona-5 comprises Purbadhala Upazila.

Candidates: Three candidates are contesting: Md Abu Taher Talukdar of BNP (sheaf of paddy), Md Nurul Islam of Islami Andolan Bangladesh (hand fan), and Masum Mostafa of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami (scales).

Elected MPs: Dewan Shahjahan Yar Chowdhury of Jatiya Party was elected in 1986. In 2008 and again in 2018, Waresat Hossain Belal of the Awami League won the seat.