Low voter interest ahead of Bogura-6 by-election

Voter enthusiasm appears muted ahead of the upcoming 13th Jatiya Sangsad by-election in Bogura-6, with even local tea stalls—once hubs of political debate—showing little discussion about the contest.

Residents across the city are more focused on daily life concerns such as rising commodity prices, fuel shortages, and LP gas price hikes than the election.

“Even with the polls approaching, people are not talking about it much, though I will cast my vote,” said 55-year-old street vendor Jahurul Islam from Khandar area.

Similar observations were made in Tinmatha, where 60-year-old Shah Alam noted that voter interest is low and that most discussions are confined to party workers.

Areas including Khandar, Thonthonia, and Mofiz Paglar Mor reflected the same trend, with citizens prioritising economic concerns over politics.

The by-election on April 9 follows Prime Minister Tarique Rahman vacating the seat he won previously, securing 2,16,286 votes under the under the “Dhaner Shish” symbol, while his nearest rival, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Abidur Rahman Sohel, secured 97,626 votes under the “Daripalla” symbol.

For this by-election, Jamaat has again nominated Sohel, while the BNP has fielded Md. Rezaul Karim Badsha, the district BNP president and former mayor, as their candidate.

A poll of over 100 voters indicates turnout may be lower than general elections, even in areas considered strongholds of BNP. While political campaigning by BNP and Jamaat continues, public interest remains limited.