Photo: BSS

By Md Aynal Haque

RAJSHAHI, Jan 30, 2026 (BSS)- The election race has heated up in the Rajshahi-1 (Godagari-Tanore) constituency ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Polls.

Centered on party nominations, intense conflicts and divisions had emerged among BNP leaders and activists in this constituency.

At the local level, BNP leaders and workers had split into several factions and sub-factions. There were even incidents of bloodshed resulting in loss of life. 

However, just before the election, all disputes have been resolved. A visible expression of internal party unity has emerged. 

BNP-nominated candidate Major General (Retd.) Sharif Uddin has been joined by leaders who were denied nominations and their supporters, standing together on a single platform. 

Setting aside pride and grievances, they have united. This unity has injected new momentum into the BNP's grassroots, and as a result, the electoral equation in the constituency has changed.

On Tuesday afternoon, a roadside election rally in support of Major General (Retd.) Sharif Uddin was organised at the premises of the Municipal BNP office in the Godagari upazila headquarters.

The main attraction of the rally was Sultanul Islam Tareq, a BNP leader who was denied a nomination. Despite previous distance over the nomination issue, he appeared on the same stage and announced his commitment to work in unity.

In his address as the chief guest, the constituency's candidate and advisor to the late BNP chairperson, Major General (Retd.) Sharif Uddin, called on everyone to set aside grievances and unite for the victory of the "Sheaf of Paddy" symbol. 

He said the BNP is the country's largest political party. Competition among party members is natural, but for the sake of the party, they are ready to make any sacrifice, he added.

Also present at the event were another nomination aspirant, Supreme Court lawyer Barrister Mahfuzur Rahman Milon, Upazila BNP President Abdus Salam Shawal, Municipal BNP President Mojibur Rahman, and leaders and activists from both sides. With the massive turnout of leaders, activists, and supporters, the rally turned into a large reunion gathering.

In their speeches, leaders said that together they would visit every household and neighborhood in Godagari and Tanore to reach voters. They would inform the public about the BNP's plans for the country and its people.

Through joint election activities, the message of unity would reach every area, leading to a landslide victory for the "Sheaf of Paddy" candidate.

Advocate Sultanul Islam Tareq had long been active in the field, aspiring for the BNP nomination in this constituency. Although he submitted nomination papers as an independent candidate after not receiving the party nomination, he later withdrew them in respect of the party's decision.

According to party sources, the late BNP minister Barrister Aminul Haque had been elected as a member of parliament from this constituency for three consecutive terms. 

This time, his brother Major General (Retd.) Sharif Uddin has received the nomination. Besides Barrister Milon and industrialist Tareq, other nomination aspirants included Sazedur Rahman Markoni, Principal Abdullah Al Mahmud Biplob, Engineer KM Jewel, and US-based expatriate Professor Shahadat Hossain Shaheen.

Meanwhile, following the resolution of the BNP's internal disputes, the electoral equation in the constituency has shifted. 

Ten months ago, Jamaat-e-Islami had already announced Professor Mujibur Rahman, the party's central senior naib-e-ameer, as its candidate. Having had more time, Jamaat began its election activities much earlier, which was a plus point for the party. 

However, with the BNP's internal conflicts now resolved, BNP leaders and activists have become highly optimistic about winning the seat.

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.