The Barishal-6 (Bakerganj) constituency has long witnessed alternating dominance by the BNP, Awami League and Jatiya Party. However, the political landscape appears different this time. While the BNP is making an aggressive push to regain the seat, several Islamic political parties have also become active, aiming to expand their influence in the area. Former Member of Parliament and Convenor of the Barishal South District BNP, Abul Hossain Khan, has been announced as the party’s potential candidate. The Jamaat-e-Islami has nominated Professor Maulana Mahmudunnabi Talukder as its contender. Also in discussion are Mufti Syed Muhammad Faizul Karim, Senior Naib-e-Ameer of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, and Muhammad Mizanur Rahman, the nominated candidate of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis. According to party sources, the Jatiya Party is also preparing to field a candidate if no obstacles arise.

From 1973 to 2024, a total of 12 elections, including one by-election, were held in this constituency. Of them, the BNP won five times, the Jatiya Party four times, and candidates of the now-defunct Awami League won three times.

Expectations and Comments of Candidates

BNP’s potential candidate Abul Hossain Khan said:
“This is a promising moment. No other major party is active on the ground the way we are. Not only in Bakerganj, the BNP will win in constituencies across the entire country. I have stood beside the people for many years despite injustice and oppression. The people will again give me the chance to serve them, Insha’Allah.”

Jamaat’s candidate Professor Maulana Mahmudunnabi Talukder stated:
“There is no doubt that this time we will have a free and fair election. Under the interim government, we expect the most beautiful election in history. Insha’Allah, victory will be ours.”

Sources from the Jatiya Party revealed that either A.B.M. Ruhul Amin Howlader or his wife Nasrin Jahan Ratna may contest the election from this constituency.

Views of Voters

Young voter Habibur Rahman said:
“If there is no nighttime vote like in the past, Bakerganj—the district’s largest upazila—will witness a true festival of voting. To win, candidates must earn voters’ trust by proving their honesty and competence.”

Rangashree Union resident Prince Howlader remarked:
“We haven’t been able to vote in the last 15 years. If everything goes well this time, voter turnout will be encouraging.”

From Koloshkathi Union, Habibur Rahman added:
“Regardless of who wins, they must work for the development of the area. The people will choose the candidate who works for progress.”

Election History (1973–2024)

• 1973: Mokim Hossain Howlader (Awami League)

• 1979: Sirajul Haque Montu (BNP)

• 1986: A.B.M. Ruhul Amin Howlader (Jatiya Party)

• 1991: Yunus Khan (BNP)

• 1995 By-election: Abdur Rashid Khan (BNP)

• 1996 February: Anwar Hossain Chowdhury (BNP)

• 1996 June: Syed Masud Reza (Awami League)

• 2001: Abul Hossain Khan (BNP)

• 2008: A.B.M. Ruhul Amin Howlader (Jatiya Party–Ershad)

• 2014 & 2018: Nasrin Jahan Ratna (Jatiya Party–Ershad)

• 2024: Major General (Retd.) Abdul Hafiz Mallik (Awami League)

Current Voter Statistics

• Total voters: 295,509

• Male voters: 149,600

• Female voters: 145,906

• Third gender voters: 3