Spotlight on four leading contenders

Lakshmipur-4 (Ramgati–Kamalnagar) constituency has become a focal point of political discussion as four candidates emerged as frontrunners among nine contestants in the 13th National Election.

Although a total of nine candidates are in the race, voters are mainly discussing BNP’s ABM Ashraf Uddin Nijan, Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s Maulana Khaled Saifullah, Jamaat-e-Islami’s AR Hafiz Ullah, and Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) candidate Tania Rab.

Lakshmipur-4, located in the Meghna coastal region, has long been considered a BNP-dominated heavyweight constituency. Since independence, it has played a significant role in forming both the Awami League and the BNP governments.

The remaining five candidates are Advocate Milan Mondal of BSD; Ridwan Ulya Khan of Ganadhikar Parishad; Kamalnagar Upazila BNP president Nurul Huda Chowdhury; and independent candidates ANM Manjur Murshed and Sharaf Uddin Azad Sohel.

As campaigning intensifies, candidates are increasingly focusing on attracting Awami League supporters. Both BNP candidate Ashraf Uddin and JSD candidate Tania Rob are reportedly making strategic efforts to draw support beyond their party bases, especially from Awami League voters.

Political observers said BNP candidate Ashraf Uddin is in a relatively strong position, particularly as the votes of Islami Andolan and Jamaat are divided. In the absence of an Islami Andolan–Jamaat alliance, discussions are ongoing about possible vote shifts.

Local voters described Ashraf Uddin Nijan as a popular figure who is banking on his personal image and BNP’s traditional support base. On the other hand, Lakshmipur-4 is regarded as a stronghold of the JSD due to the legacy of ASM Abdur Rab.

Meanwhile, Islami Andolan candidate Maulana Khaled Saifullah (fan symbol) and Jamaat candidate A.R. Hafiz Ullah are highlighting promises of development. Local political analysts opined that the main contest will ultimately be among these four candidates.

Besides, Charmonai Pir-led Islami Andolan Bangladesh is considered to have a strong organisational base and vote bank in the constituency. Maulana Khaled Saifullah, who gained prominence after serving two consecutive terms as chairman of Charkadira Union Parishad, is now contesting at the national level, sparking widespread discussion among voters.

BNP candidate ABM Ashraf Uddin Nijan said he was confident that people from all political backgrounds would support him to build a Ramgati–Kamalnagar free from lawsuits and political violence.

JSD candidate Tania Rab said those Awami League members who committed crimes had fled and expressed hope of receiving support from “innocent Awami League supporters.”

Mufti Shariful Islam, vice-president of Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s Kamalnagar Upazila unit, said, “If Hatpakha is elected, there will be no political attacks, lawsuits, suppression, or mob rule in Ramgati–Kamalnagar. Leaders and activists of all parties will be able to live in peace and security.”