By Md Aynal Haque

RAJSHAHI, Jan 30, 2026 (BSS) - Rajshahi-1 constituency, comprising Tanore and Godagari upazilas, is widely regarded as one of the most important constituencies in the region, as heavyweight candidates from major political parties are contesting the seat.

Unlike previous elections, the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election is witnessing the participation of several widely known leaders from different political parties in this constituency.

Major General (Retd) Sharif Uddin, a member of the BNP Chairperson's Advisory Council and former Military Secretary to the late Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, is contesting the election with the BNP symbol 'Sheaf of Paddy'.

On the other hand, Prof Mujibur Rahman, Central Senior Nayeb-e-Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami, is contesting as the party-nominated candidate with the party symbol 'Scales'.

Two other candidates are also in the race: Meer Muhammad Shahjahan of Gono Adhiker Parishad, contesting with the 'Truck' symbol, and Abdur Rahman of Amar Bangladesh Party, contesting with the 'Eagle' symbol.

All the candidates, along with their activists and supporters, are now busy campaigning in the constituency. They are engaging in door-to-door campaigns, exchanging views and greetings with voters, with none willing to concede any ground.

Political analysts said the main contest is expected to be between the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami candidates, a scenario that is becoming increasingly common across the country.

BNP candidate Major General (retd) Sharif Uddin is preceded by his elder brother, the late Barrister Aminul Haque, who contested and won the 1991 national election from this constituency and later served as the Minister for Posts and Telecommunications in 2001.

Barrister Aminul Haque last contested the election in 2018 and passed away in 2019. Following his death, Sharif Uddin took charge of the BNP in the constituency.

Local BNP leaders said Tanore and Godagari are regarded as strongholds of the party and expressed confidence in the victory of the Sheaf of Paddy candidate, regardless of the strength of the opponents. 

Nur Hasan Mahmud Raja, Joint Convener of the municipal unit of Jubo Dal, said that since the official start of electioneering, a visible surge in support for the Sheaf of Paddy has been observed. 

Former Chhatra Dal President Abdul Malek Mondol said the upcoming election would be highly challenging, as repeatedly stated by BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman. He stressed the need for leaders and activists to go door to door to win voters' hearts, describing the election as crucial for safeguarding the country.

Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Prof Mujibur Rahman is carrying out extensive electioneering across the constituency in support of the Scales symbol. He is confident he will come out on top too. 

From union to upazila level, his campaign activities are visible across villages in the constituency. Emphasizing the need for honest and capable leadership to build a welfare-oriented Bangladesh, Prof Rahman is calling on young voters to cast their first vote in favour of the Scales symbol and the "Yes" vote in the referendum. 

The local Jamaat-e-Islami unit held an election rally at Kalma Union on Thursday afternoon, with Prof Mujibur Rahman attending as the chief guest.

Addressing the rally, he said Jamaat-e-Islami does not believe in power-oriented politics but rather practices politics for the welfare of the country and the nation. He said that whenever the party was given the opportunity in the past, it did not betray the trust of the people and would not do so in the future either. "I believe the people will make us victorious for the better future of the country," he added. 

He urged voters to be present at polling centres at 7:00 am on the election day and cast their votes for the Scales symbol, as well as the "Yes" vote in the referendum.