Jamaat targets BNP's stronghold while AL supporters vow not to cast vote

Extensive discussions and widespread criticism are underway among voters across the country surrounding the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary elections. However, the political picture of Bogura is somewhat different. This time, there has been additional heat about voting in this district, known as a stronghold of BNP.

Former BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia was the candidate for Bogura-7 (Shajahanpur-Gabatoli) constituency. Jamaat-e-Islami leaders and activists are claiming that the political equation in this constituency has changed after her death. BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is participating in the national election for the first time. He is the BNP nominated candidate for Bogura-6 (Sadar) constituency. A festive atmosphere has been created among the leaders and activists around Tarique Rahman's candidacy.

On the other hand, Jamaat-e-Islami is optimistic about winning Bogura-7 constituency, known as a stronghold of BNP.

Morshed Milton, the president of Gabtoli Upazila BNP, was Khaleda Zia's alternative candidate in Bogura-7 (Shajahanpur-Gabatoli) constituency. After Khaleda Zia's death, Morshed Milton is going to fight for BNP from Bogura-7 constituency.

BNP leaders and activists say that not only in Bogura-7 constituency, but BNP candidates will win from any constituencies in the district. The people of Bogura do not think of any alternative.

In the absence of Begum Khaleda Zia, Jamaat-e-Islami leaders and activists say that they are optimistic about winning in her seat. If Khaleda Zia was there, they might have lost the constituency, but now victory is almost certain.

The two parties are regularly campaigning ahead of the elections. At the same time, various political parties, including BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, are adopting various strategies to attract the votes of Awami League supporters.

However, there has been disappointment among Awami League supporters. They have said that they will boycott the elections as the Awami League cannot participate in it.

After the Awami League government was ousted on August 5, 2024, an interim government was formed. This government banned all Awami League activities. In addition, the government is not allowing the party to participate in the upcoming parliamentary elections.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is going to contest from the Bogura-6 (Sadar) constituency. Begum Khaleda Zia won from the Bogura-6 and 7 constituencies in the parliamentary elections from 1991 to 2008.

Since Gabtoli Upazila is the birthplace of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, all seven constituencies in Bogura are considered BNP strongholds.

Golam Rabbani, the central vice-president of the Workers' Welfare Federation, is contesting from the Bogura-7 constituency from Jamaat-e-Islami.

On the other hand, Jamaat-e-Islami has nominated Abidur Rahman Sohel, the Ameer of the city unit, as Tarique Rahman's rival in Bogura-6 (Sadar) constituency.

Jamaat-e-Islami leaders and activists say that they are optimistic about winning either of these two constituencies.

BNP leaders and activists say that Jamaat-e-Islami is an anti-liberation force. The people will ultimately reject them. They (Jamaat-e-Islami) want to come to power in the country where Jamaat-e-Islami created obstacles at its birth. This is a matter of shame for the nation.

Talking to at least 100 Awami League supporters of these two constituencies, it was learned that they will not cast any vote this tome as there will be no boat symbol on the ballot.

BNP leaders and activists of Shajahanpur-Gabatoli constituency say that Bogura-7 constituency is the seat of the Zia family. There is no fear of defeat in this constituency.

Golam Rabbani, who is contesting from the Bogura-7 constituency from Jamaat-e-Islami, told Views Bangladesh, "It is not a matter of who the rival candidate or any person is. The biggest thing for me is my ideology. Whoever the people want, he will be elected. I am hopeful that the people will elect me."

District BNP Joint General Secretary and Shajahanpur Upazila BNP President Enamul Haque Shaheen told Views Bangladesh that the people will elect the BNP candidate because of the contribution and role of the Zia family for the country. No matter which party the rival candidate participates in the election from, they (candidates of other parties) will be defeated by a huge margin.

He also said that since Bogura-7 constituency is the birthplace of BNP founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, the people will reject any other candidate here.