BNP, Jamaat in close contests in Sylhet constituencies

With the 13th parliamentary election nearing, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat e Islami appears to face tight battles in six constituencies of Sylhet district.

Since country’s independence, no Jamaat-e-Islami candidate has won any parliamentary seat in Sylhet. However, in the 2001 election, Farid Uddin Chowdhury was elected from Sylhet-5 as a candidate of the BNP-led alliance.

Sylhet District BNP President and election coordination chief Abdul Qayyum Chowdhury said party leaders and activists are united. “We had some minor internal problems, which have been resolved. Action will be taken against anyone who goes against party decisions. BNP and alliance candidates are in a good position in all six seats,” he said, expressing hope that BNP candidates would win by large margins.

Sylhet Metropolitan Jamaat Ameer and Central Working Committee member Muhammad Fakhrul Islam said voters are seeking change. “People no longer want the old system. Young voters, in particular, do not want the previous arrangements to return. Women voters and disadvantaged groups are also looking for competent and skilled leadership so their lives can improve. This election is moving in that direction,” he said.

Sylhet-1

In Sylhet-1, although eight candidates are contesting, the main race is between BNP candidate Khandaker Abdul Muktadir (paddy sheaf) and Jamaat candidate Maulana Habibur Rahman (scales).
Khandaker Muktadir, considered a clean politician and long-time campaigner in the area, is seen as ahead, while businessman Habibur Rahman remains a notable contender. In the past, candidates from the banned Awami League, BNP and Jatiya Party have won this seat.

Sylhet-2

Sylhet-2 is expected to witness a contest between BNP candidate Tahsina Rushdir Luna, wife of missing BNP leader M Ilias Ali, and Muhammad Muntasir Ali of the 11-party alliance, a Khilafat Majlis candidate contesting with the wall clock (dewal ghari) symbol.

This constituency has previously elected MPs from the banned Awami League, BNP, Jatiya Party, Ganatantri Party and Gono Forum.

Sylhet-3

BNP candidate MA Malik (paddy sheaf) is in a strong position in Sylhet-3, which comprises Fenchuganj, Balaganj and Dakshin Surma upazilas. His main challenger is Musleh Uddin Raju of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis.

Jamaat candidate and former South Surma Upazila chairman Lokman Ahmed withdrew from the race following a recent alliance decision.

The seat has previously been won by candidates from the banned Awami League, BNP and Jatiya Party.

Sylhet-4

In Sylhet-4, covering Companiganj, Jaintapur and Gowainghat upazilas, BNP Chairperson’s adviser and former Sylhet City Mayor Ariful Haque Chowdhury is contesting against Jamaat candidate Joynal Abedin.
Voters in the area said development is the key issue in national elections, particularly in border regions, and see Ariful Haque Chowdhury as a leading figure in that regard.

In the past, the seat has been held by MPs from the banned Awami League, BNP and independent candidates.

Sylhet-5

In Sylhet-5, comprising Zakiganj and Kanaighat upazilas, independent candidate Mamunur Rashid, also known as Chaksu Mamun, may influence the vote outcome after failing to secure party nomination.

BNP-backed alliance partner Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam has nominated its central committee president Maulana Obaidullah Faruk, while Jamaat-led alliance candidate Mufti Abdul Hasan of Khilafat Majlis is also contesting. Both are known locally as respected religious scholars.

Sylhet-6

Sylhet-6 is expected to see a tight contest among BNP candidate and district BNP General Secretary Advocate Emran Ahmed Chowdhury, Jamaat candidate and Dhaka Metropolitan North Ameer Muhammad Selim Uddin, and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam rebel candidate Hafiz Maulana Fakhrul Islam, who has a strong personal vote base.

Despite the three-way competition, voters believe the main contest will ultimately be between BNP and Jamaat.