Former ministers and members of parliament (MPs) from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have joined the nomination race in Barishal Division ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, expected to be held in February next year.BNP’s potential candidates across the division have already begun election preparations. In the six districts and 21 constituencies of Barishal Division, at least 12 heavyweight leaders are contesting the nomination battle against a mix of former student leaders and longtime young organizers.
While several senior figures appear confident about securing nominations, others are reportedly feeling uncertain. Many are maintaining constant contact with top BNP leaders, visiting them regularly and lobbying intensively to confirm their candidacies.
Meeting BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia has become increasingly difficult, sources said. As a result, many aspirants are maintaining direct communication with Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and his close associates in hopes of strengthening their positions.
Over 150 Aspirants Active in 21 Constituencies
Local BNP sources revealed that more than 150 potential candidates have already launched informal campaigns across the 21 constituencies of Barishal Division. They are engaging with grassroots leaders, attending local social and political events, and signaling their intent to seek party nomination.
Barishal District
Barishal-1 (Gournadi–Agailjhara)
Former MP and BNP Chairperson’s Adviser Zahir Uddin Swapan, a heavyweight candidate, is seen as almost certain to secure the nomination. Competing with him are Akon Kuddusur Rahman, Central Assistant Organising Secretary, and Engineer Abdus Sobahan, member of the National Executive Committee (NEC).
Barishal-2 (Uzirpur–Banaripara)
The list of aspirants includes NEC member and businessman Sarfuddin Santu, Rawnakul Islam Tipu, BNP Assistant Secretary for Forest and Environment Affairs, Ilias Khan, former General Secretary of the National Press Club, Colonel (Retd.) Anwar Hossain, Saeed Mahmud Jewel, former JCD General Secretary, and Barrister Syed Saiful Haque Saif, son of late BNP Whip Syed Shahidul Haque Jamal.
However, the frontrunner is Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal, Adviser to the BNP Chairperson, who previously served twice as MP for this constituency.
Barishal-3 (Babuganj–Muladi)
BNP Standing Committee Member Selima Rahman faces a nomination challenge from Advocate Zainul Abedin, BNP Vice Chairman. Other aspirants include former Upazila Chairman Abdus Sattar Khan and Barrister Moniruzzaman Asad.
Barishal-4 (Hijla–Mehendiganj)
Former MP and NEC member Mezbah Uddin Farhad is competing for nomination with Rajib Ahsan, Central General Secretary of the BNP’s Volunteer Wing (Swechchhasebak Dal); Dewan Md. Shahidullah, Convener of Barishal (North) BNP; Advocate M. Helal Uddin; and former student leader Abdul Khalek Howlader.
Barishal-5 (Sadar)
One of the most significant constituencies in the division, Barishal-5 is represented by BNP Chairperson’s Adviser Mojibur Rahman Sarwar, a five-time MP, former Whip, and former City Mayor. His nomination is considered certain.
However, several others are also active, including Advocate Bilkis Jahan Shirin, Central Organising Secretary (currently suspended); Ebaidul Haque Chan, former District BNP President; Moniruzzaman Faruk, Metropolitan Convener; Abu Naser Mohammad Rahmatullah, Executive Committee Member; Advocate Abul Kalam Shahin, District Member Secretary; Ziauddin Sikdar, Metropolitan Member Secretary; and Afroza Khanam Nasrin, Joint Convener.
Barishal-6 (Bakerganj)
Former MP and BNP South District Convener Abul Hossain Khan is expected to retain his nomination. Others in contention include Nazrul Islam Rajon, former District BNP General Secretary; Nurul Islam Khan Masud, former Joint Secretary of Jubo Dal; and Sulaiman Serneabat, a US-based BNP leader.
Pirojpur District
Pirojpur-1 (Sadar–Nazirpur–Jianagar)
Aspirants include NEC member Eliza Zaman, District BNP Convener Prof. Alamgir Hossain, and former Upazila Chairman Nazrul Islam Khan.
Pirojpur-2 (Bhandaria–Kaukhali–Swarupkathi)
In the race are BNP Central Leader Mahmud Hossain, Upazila BNP Convener Ahmed Sohel Manzur, and businessman Fakhrul Alam.
Patuakhali District
Patuakhali-1 (Sadar–Mirzaganj–Dumki)
Former Home Minister and BNP Vice Chairman Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Altaf Hossain Chowdhury is a certain nominee. District leader Snehangshu Sarkar Kutty has also expressed interest.
Patuakhali-2 (Baufal)
Former MP Shahidul Alam Talukder and Md. Munir Hossain, BNP Assistant Office Secretary, are competing for nomination. Munir is said to have strong lobbying connections within the central BNP.
Patuakhali-3 (Galachipa–Dashmina)
Former MP Golam Maula Rony and NEC member Hasan Mamun are seeking nomination. Hasan Mamun appears more active and popular among local supporters.
Patuakhali-4 (Kalapara–Rangabali)
BNP Central Training Affairs Secretary A.B.M. Mosharraf Hossain and former Upazila BNP President Moniruzzaman Monir Hossain are competing for nomination. Mosharraf, who contested the 2018 election, is likely to be nominated again.
Bhola District
Bhola-1 (Sadar)
NEC member Haider Ali Lelin faces competition from District BNP Convener Golam Nabi Alamgir.
Bhola-2 (Doulatkhan–Borhanuddin)
Former MP Hafiz Ibrahim, elder brother of Giasuddin Al Mamun, a close friend of Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, is almost certain to get the nomination. Jahangir M. Alam, President of the US BNP Labor Wing, is also lobbying for the ticket.
Bhola-3 (Lalmohan–Tazumuddin)
BNP Standing Committee Member and former Minister Major Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, Bir Bikram, is confirmed as the party candidate. He remained loyal to BNP despite offers from other political parties.
Bhola-4 (Charfashion–Monpura)
Former MP and central leader Nazim Uddin Alam is competing for nomination with Nurul Islam Nayon, General Secretary of Jubo Dal.
Jhalakathi District
Jhalakathi-1 (Rajapur–Kathalia)
Aspirants include BNP Religious Affairs Secretary Rafiqul Islam Jamal, Habibur Rahman Selim Reza, President of the New York Metropolitan South BNP, and former JCD leader Golam Azam Soikat.
Jhalakathi-2 (Sadar–Nalchity)
Leading contenders are Mahbubul Haque Nannu, BNP Assistant Organising Secretary and former VP of BM College, and former MP Israt Sultana Elen Bhutto. Nannu is ahead in campaigning and grassroots connection.
Other hopefuls include Dr. Ziauddin Haider, Adviser to Begum Khaleda Zia; Jeba Amina Al Gazi, Central Vice President of Mohila Dal; and Advocate Shahadat Hossain, District BNP Member Secretary.
Barguna District
Barguna-1 (Amtali–Taltali–Sadar)
Former District BNP President and NEC member Nazrul Islam Molla, Central Assistant Labour Affairs Secretary Firozuzzaman Mamun Molla, and former Organising Secretary Md. Rejbul Kabir are seeking nomination.
Barguna-2 (Bamna–Betagi–Patharghata)
BNP Vice Chairman and former MP Nurul Islam Monir is almost certain to receive the nomination.