By Md Aynal Haque

RAJSHAHI, Jan 31, 2026 (BSS)- Naogaon-6, parliamentary constituency no. 51, 
is made up of Atrai and Raninagar upazilas.

Tension is rising in this agriculture- and fisheries- rich constituency ahead 
of the national parliamentary election.
 
According to voters, a three-dimensional contest is likely this time. A 
competitive battle is expected among the BNP candidate, the Jamaat-e-Islami 
candidate, and a rebel (independent) candidate from the BNP.

Since receiving their electoral symbols for the 13th National Parliamentary 
Election scheduled for February 12, candidates and their supporters have been 
busy with door-to-door campaigns. 

They are also visibly active at rallies, public meetings, and social events. 
In the absence of the Awami League, BNP appears to be ahead in the electoral 
race, but the party is expected to face strong challenges from its rebel 
(independent) candidate and the Jamaat candidate.

Observers believe that the role of young voters, in particular, could be a 
decisive factor in victory or defeat in this election. 

Having been unable to exercise their voting rights for a long time, young 
voters have developed heightened interest.
 
Their priorities include employment, education, electricity, healthcare, 
implementation of a municipality, and improvement of the communication 
system.

Although a total of five candidates are contesting in the Naogaon-6 
constituency in this election, the most talked-about candidates are BNP 
nominee and Atrai Upazila BNP President Sheikh Rezaul Islam, Jamaat-e-Islami 
candidate and Naogaon District Jamaat executive committee member Khabirul 
Islam, and independent candidate Alamgir Kabir, a former Member of Parliament 
(MP) and former State Minister in the Four-Party Alliance government.

According to election office sources, the total number of voters in Naogaon-6 
is 341,881. Of them, 177,023 are in Atrai and 164,858 in Raninagar.

Voters say that because he is a local candidate, Sheikh Rezaul Islam of the 
'Sheaf of Paddy' symbol is likely to be slightly ahead in Atrai upazila. For 
the same reason, Alamgir Kabir, the independent candidate with the 
'Motorcycle' symbol, may be ahead in Raninagar upazila.
 
However, Jamaat candidate Khabirul Islam is also expected to remain close in 
both upazilas. If this assessment proves true, it will be difficult to 
predict who will ultimately emerge victorious.

BNP-nominated candidate Sheikh Rezaul Islam said that knowing the Sheaf of 
Paddy's certain victory, independent candidates and Jamaat supporters are 
spreading various kinds of propaganda. 

He expressed confidence that this will not harm the 'Sheaf of Paddy' symbol 
and that no voters will be misled.

Jamaat-nominated candidate Khabirul Islam said that people want change and 
that voters will reject extortionists and terrorists in the election. 
He expressed hope that a "vote revolution" will take place in favor of Jamaat 
this time.

Expressing optimism about winning, independent candidate Alamgir Kabir of the 
motorcycle symbol said that local residents and voters are unable to accept 
the BNP-nominated candidate.
 
He alleged that, out of frustration, threats, intimidation, and fear tactics 
are being used against his supporters, and that his office has been 
vandalized. Despite various obstacles, he claimed that voters remain by his 
side.