As the national parliamentary election scheduled for February 12 approaches, political tension is mounting in the Cox’s Bazar-2 (Kutubdia–Maheshkhali) constituency. Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General and former Member of Parliament Hamidur Rahman Azad is contesting from this seat, drawing significant attention and discussion among local voters. Residents of the constituency describe Azad as an experienced and hardworking politician. During his tenure as a Member of Parliament, he gained recognition for his contributions to infrastructure development, expansion of education, and support for impoverished communities. According to local voters, many children from underprivileged families were able to access education through his initiatives, while numerous working-class individuals achieved economic self-reliance.
Local voter Rahmat Ullah said, “We elected him before, and his position remains strong this time as well. People still remember his work.” However, he noted that the main competition in the upcoming election is expected to be against the BNP candidate, making the contest highly competitive.
Brief Profile
Hamidur Rahman Azad is a Bangladeshi politician and former Member of Parliament from the Cox’s Bazar-2 constituency. He currently serves as the Assistant Secretary General of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami.
Early Life
He was born on December 1, 1965, in Kutubdia upazila of Cox’s Bazar district. His father was Maulana Qari Abdus Salam, and his mother was Adimunnisa.
Education
Azad has completed BA (Honours), MA, MM, LLB, and PhD degrees. His PhD degree was approved on March 26, 2025, at the 560th Syndicate Meeting of Chittagong University. His doctoral research focused on “The Emergence and Development of Islamic Politics in Bengal (1905–1970).”
Political Career
Azad began his political journey in 1977 through Islami Chhatra Shibir. Over the years, he served as President of Chattogram South District Shibir, President of Chattogram University Unit, President of Dhaka Metropolitan Unit, and Central Assistant Secretary General of the organization. He joined Jamaat-e-Islami in 1995 and currently serves as a member of the party’s Central Working Committee and Majlis-e-Shura.
In the Ninth National Parliamentary Election held in 2008, he was elected as a Member of Parliament from Cox’s Bazar-2 constituency.
Personal Life
He married in 1996 and is the father of four daughters.
Arrests and Alleged Political Repression
According to party sources, Azad has faced arrests and political repression at various stages of his political life. In 1998, he was arrested while participating in a movement to protect the academic environment at Chittagong University. In 2000, during anti-government movements, he was reportedly seriously injured and shot on two occasions.
A Competitive Election Ahead
The outcome of the upcoming election will ultimately be determined by voters on polling day. Political analysts believe that the Cox’s Bazar-2 constituency is set for a fiercely competitive contest, with a close fight expected among the leading candidates.