Photo : Collected

RAJSHAHI, Feb 2, 2026 (BSS) - With the 13th national parliamentary election approaching, electoral competition in Rajshahi-3 (Paba-Mohanpur) constituency has intensified, with signs of a neck-and-neck contest between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami.

The constituency, comprising Paba and Mohanpur upazilas, has more than 400,000 registered voters. A total of five candidates are contesting the seat. They are Advocate Shafiqul Haque Milon of BNP, Abul Kalam Azad of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Afzal Hossain of Jatiya Party, Fazlur Rahman of Islami Andolon Bangladesh and Sayeed Parvej of Amjonotar Dal.

With both BNP- and Jamaat-nominated candidates actively campaigning, the electoral equation is becoming increasingly competitive. Through door-to-door campaigns, courtyard meetings and organisational activities, both parties are working to consolidate their positions at the grassroots level.

BNP has once again nominated Advocate Shafiqul Haque Milon, a well-known and popular figure in the area. His nomination has generated renewed enthusiasm among local party leaders and activists. BNP leaders who had earlier sought the nomination have also publicly expressed their support for him.

Relying on the party's traditional voter base and strong organisational network, Milon has been campaigning extensively in markets, villages and neighbourhoods. 

In his campaign, he is pledging to reduce development disparities, adopt agriculture- and business-friendly policies and improve local infrastructure.

On the other hand, Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Abul Kalam Azad is also conducting an active campaign. Azad has served as chairman of Haragram Union Parishad in Paba Upazila for 28 consecutive years and is a familiar figure in both Paba and Mohanpur upazilas due to his long involvement in Jamaat-e-Islami's organisational activities.

Local Jamaat leaders believe Azad enjoys a dedicated voter base, particularly because of his engagement in religious and social initiatives. 

His campaign focuses on development, good governance and corruption-free politics, with specific promises related to education, healthcare and employment.

Voters, meanwhile, are voicing their own expectations. Residents from different unions of the two upazilas said they would vote for the candidate who prioritises grassroots development in these agriculture-dependent areas.

Sainul Islam of Kalupura village in Bargachhi Union said poor road conditions have long hampered communication in his area. "There has been no significant road development for years. We will vote for the candidate who listens to us and improves our roads," he said.

Rahim Ali, a day labourer from Jahanabad area of Mohanpur Upazila, echoed similar sentiments. "Many MPs and ministers have come and gone, but our condition has not changed. We want an MP who will actually develop our area, especially the roads," he said.

Both leading candidates have said they will prioritise overall development of Paba-Mohanpur if elected.

Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Abul Kalam Azad, contesting with the 'Scales' symbol, said the people want change. "Our party has announced a manifesto, and I also have specific plans for the development of Paba-Mohanpur," he said.

BNP candidate Shafiqul Haque Milon, contesting with the 'Sheaf of Paddy' symbol, said he has a long-standing connection with the people of the constituency. 

"If elected by the people's mandate, I will take initiatives to upgrade Shah Makhdum Airport to an international airport and ensure direct export of local agricultural products," he said, expressing confidence of victory.

Overall, the Rajshahi-3 race has become highly competitive, with voters closely observing the promises, statements and grassroots activities of the candidates. 

The election, scheduled to be held on February 12, is expected to be decided by voters' trust in candidates' commitment to development and public welfare.