BNP, Jamaat lock horns in Khulna-3 as industrial revival tops poll agenda

Khulna-3 constituency, comprising Khalishpur, Daulatpur and Khanjahan Ali police station areas of Khulna metropolis, is witnessing an intense electoral contest ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election, with Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami candidates emerging as the main rivals.

In the changed political landscape following the July 2024 movement and the absence of the Awami League from the race, the contest in Khulna-3 has taken on a new dimension. 

Once known as a major industrial hub, Khulna earned its reputation through government-owned jute mills along the west bank of the River Bhairab, jute presses in Daulatpur, and large installations such as newsprint and hardboard mills. Thousands of workers once thronged the area, boosting the city’s economy. That industrial vibrancy, however, has largely faded.

Over the years, factories have shut down for various reasons, leaving workers jobless and forcing many to leave the city. As a result, Khalishpur and Daulatpur are among the few areas in Khulna district where population growth has declined, despite an overall rise in other upazilas.

According to the returning officer’s office, Khulna-3 has the lowest number of voters among the six constituencies in the district. The constituency has a total of 254,409 voters, 127,636 men, 126,765 women and eight transgender voters. There are 115 polling stations with 516 polling booths.

A total of 10 candidates are contesting the seat. BNP Central Student Affairs Secretary Rakibul Islam Bakul is contesting with the sheaf of paddy symbol, while Jamaat-e-Islami Khulna Metropolitan Ameer Prof Mahfuzur Rahman is running with the scales symbol.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh Central Nayeb Ameer Hafez Abdul Awal is contesting with the hand fan symbol. Other candidates include Bangladesh Socialist Party (BSD) central committee member Janardan Dutta Nantu (ladder), Jatiya Party’s Abdullah Al Mamun (plough), National Democratic Movement (NDM) candidate Sheikh Arman Hossain (lion), and independents SM Arifur Rahman Mithu (deer), Murad Khan Liton (kite), Moin Mohammad Mayaj (football), and Abul Hasnat Siddique (ship).

This is the first parliamentary election for all candidates except BNP’s Rakibul Islam Bakul and Islami Anolan’s Hafez Abdul Awal.

BNP candidate Rakibul Islam Bakul said reopening closed factories, including jute mills, would be his top priority, if elected. “The main task will be to bring workers back to work and create employment. We also have plans for a modern hospital and other development initiatives. People have faith in BNP, and I am confident they will vote for BNP,” he said.

Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Mahfuzur Rahman said reopening the factories is essential but challenging due to years of neglect. “Most of the valuable machinery has been stolen. Even so, efforts will be taken to reopen factories or establish alternative industries to restore employment and the area’s lost heritage,” he said, adding that voters are seeking change against corruption and irregularities.

Islami Andolan candidate Hafez Abdul Awal said his party would work to restore workers’ rights and expressed hope for strong support from labourers.

Jatiya Party candidate Abdullah Al Mamun claimed that major development projects, including Khulna Medical College Hospital, were implemented during his party’s tenure and promised further development if the party returns to power.

Local voters said employment generation through reopening closed mills and factories remains their primary concern. Candidates are tailoring their pledges accordingly, making industrial revival the central theme of the campaign.

Residents expect a highly competitive race in the traditionally industrial areas of Khalishpur, Daulatpur and Khanjahan Ali.

Khulna-3 has a long and diverse political history, with BNP, Awami League and Jatiya Party candidates winning at different times. Awami League’s Momen Uddin Ahmed won in 1973, BNP’s Sheikh Ashraf Hossain in 1979, and Jatiya Party’s Hasina Banu Shirin in 1986. BNP regained the seat in 1991 and 2001, while Awami League’s Begum Munnujan Sufian won in 2008, 2014 and 2018. In the 2024 election, Awami League candidate SM Kamal Hossain was elected.

While voters, particularly workers, remain hopeful that factories will reopen, past unfulfilled promises have made many cautious. Political analysts say the contest in Khulna-3, shaped by industrial decline and labour votes, remains complex, and victory will depend on which party can secure voters’ trust in the final stretch of the campaign.