Barishal, Bangladesh – With the national parliamentary elections approaching, leaders and activists of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami have intensified their campaign across Barishal Division. The party has finalized its candidates in 19 out of the 21 constituencies in the division, with the names officially announced at party forums. Party workers have been instructed to actively support their nominees on the ground.Jamaat sources say that this year the party is ahead compared to previous elections, noting an increase in grassroots support. A senior party leader revealed that Jamaat plans to field candidates in 300 constituencies nationwide. These seats are divided into two categories: Category A, where the party’s candidates will actively contest to win, and Category B, designated for strategic purposes, including testing support and potential alliances. In cases of alliances with other parties, Category B seats may be conceded.

In Barishal, Jamaat has identified three Category A constituencies with strong winning potential: Pirojpur-1, Pirojpur-2, and Patuakhali-2.

In Pirojpur, the party has nominated the sons of former Naeeb-e-Amir and ex-MP Allama Delawar Hossain Saidi. For Pirojpur-1 (Indurkani-Sadar-Nazirpur), Masud Saidi, former chairman of Indurkani Upazila Parishad and son of Saidi, has been nominated. His brother, Shamim Saidi, chairman of the Saidi Foundation, will contest in Pirojpur-2 (Bhandaria-Kaukhali-Nesarabad). Sources indicate that the Saidi family’s legacy and established voter base give the brothers a strong chance of victory. Pirojpur-1 is considered a particularly stronghold for Jamaat, and if the BNP makes miscalculations in candidate selection, Pirojpur-2 could also fall under Jamaat’s control.

For Patuakhali-2 (Bauphal), the party has nominated Dr. Shafiqul Islam Masud, former president of Islami Chhatra Shibir in the area. Known for his decades-long grassroots work, Masud enjoys a loyal support base and strong reputation across the country. With no significant BNP candidate in Bauphal and the absence of an Awami League nominee, he is well-positioned to secure victory. Masud also played a key role in a recent mass gathering led by Islamic scholar Maulana Mizanur Rahman Azhari, which further strengthened his local influence.

In Barishal-5 (Sadar), the party’s nominee is Assistant Secretary General Advocate Moyazzem Hossain Helal, whose victory is anticipated by local Jamaat leaders. Other finalized candidates in Barishal Division include:

• Barishal-1 (Gournadi-Agailjhara): Maulana Kamrul Islam Khan, member of District Majlis-e-Shura

• Barishal-2 (Uzirpur-Banariapara): Master Abdul Mannan, Naeeb-e-Amir of the district

• Barishal-3 (Muladi-Babuganj): Adhyaksh Zahir Uddin Muhammad Babar, Metropolitan Jamaat Amir

• Barishal-4 (Hijla-Mehendiganj): Professor Maulana Abdul Jabbar

• Barishal-6 (Hijla-Mehendiganj): Professor Maulana Mahmudunnabi Talukdar

• Pirojpur-3 (Mathbaria): Assistant Professor Sharif Abdul Jalil

• Jhalokathi-2 (Nalchity-Jhalokathi): Sheikh Neyamul Karim, North Dhaka Shura member

• Patuakhali-1 (Sadar-Dumki-Mirzaganj): District Amir Advocate Nazmul Ahsan

• Patuakhali-3 (Galachipa-Dashmina): Former District Amir Professor Shah Alam

• Patuakhali-4 (Kalapara-Rangabali): Kalapara Upazila Jamaat Amir Maulana Abdul Kaiyum

• Barguna-1 (Sadar-Amtali-Taltali): District Amir Maulana Mohibullah Harun

• Barguna-2 (Bamna-Betagi-Patharghata): Former Majlis-e-Shura member Dr. Sultan Ahmed

• Bhola-1 (Sadar): District Naeeb-e-Amir Adhyaksh Maulana Md. Nazrul Islam

• Bhola-2 (Borhanuddin-Daulatkhan): Former District Amir Maulana Fazlul Karim

• Bhola-4 (Charfashion-Monpura): Former District Amir Maulana Mostofa Kamal

A senior party leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that candidates chosen for Category A seats are expected to secure victory by winning the confidence of voters committed to a corruption-free, terror-free, and drug-free Bangladesh.

Advocate Moyazzem Hossain Helal, assistant secretary general responsible for Barishal Division, emphasized that the current list is part of a routine organizational process. The final candidate list will only be confirmed after the official election schedule is announced. In the case of alliances, seat adjustments will be made accordingly, similar to the 1991 elections when Jamaat contested 220 seats.

Currently, candidates for only Jhalokathi-1 and Bhola-3 remain unfinalized among Barishal Division’s 21 constituencies.