Rajshahi-4 election heats up as BNP and Jamaat candidates intensify campaigns ahead of parliamentary polls. Photo : BSS

RAJSHAHI, Feb 3, 2026 (BSS) - With the 13th national parliamentary election approaching, electioneering has gained momentum in Rajshahi-4 (Bagmara) constituency, where the political atmosphere is gradually heating up.

Although campaign activities were briefly paused for a few days, candidates have remained active through various programmes. From the outset, contenders have been campaigning in their own ways by putting up posters, holding rallies in villages and rural areas, and carrying out door-to-door outreach.

As a result, election-related discussions have become a common topic at tea stalls and street corners across the constituency.

While several candidates are contesting in Rajshahi-4, political observers say the real contest is shaping up between Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami.

The BNP-nominated candidate is D.M. Ziaur Rahman, convener of Bagmara Upazila BNP and a former upazila chairman. Jamaat-e-Islami has fielded its Nayeb-e-Ameer and prominent physician Dr. Abdul Bari Sarder.

According to sources, the Rajshahi-4 constituency comprises 16 unions and two municipal areas, covering an area of 363.30 square kilometres with a total electorate of 354,664 voters.

With the election nearing, debates and discussions have intensified in villages and neighbourhoods, significantly influencing grassroots politics in the upazila.

Although BNP faced internal divisions at the upazila level during the nomination process, party leaders have recently moved towards unity. Grassroots leaders began to close ranks following a recent election rally addressed by BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman.

On the other hand, Jamaat-e-Islami has rallied behind a single candidate. Since finalising its nomination, Dr. Abdul Bari has been actively campaigning across the constituency.

Political analysts believe that the upcoming parliamentary election in Bagmara will largely be a straight contest between BNP and Jamaat.

BNP candidate D.M. Ziaur Rahman previously served as chairman of Auspara Union from 2001 to 2008 and as chairman of Bagmara Upazila Parishad from 2008 to 2013.

Speaking about his candidacy, Ziaur Rahman said the party nominated him after considering his long-standing role in protecting and organising party leaders and activists during difficult times.

"During BNP's difficult days in Bagmara, I stood by our leaders and activists. At one stage, BNP politics here faced a leadership crisis, and I worked continuously to reorganise the grassroots," he said.

He added that for the past 15 years he has remained actively involved in movements against the Awami League government. "My aim is to build a corruption-free Bagmara. Serving the people is our main objective," he said.

Addressing internal party differences, Ziaur Rahman said the nomination was finalised after scrutiny at different levels and that party leaders and activists are now united in support of the BNP's election symbol, the 'Sheaf of Paddy'.

Meanwhile, Jamaat candidate Dr. Abdul Bari has emerged as a strong challenger, gaining popularity across the constituency. Party leaders expressed optimism about winning the seat.

Campaigning with Jamaat's election symbol, the 'Scale', Dr. Bari has pledged to build a clean and developed Bagmara.

In rallies and street meetings, he promised to eliminate bribery, corruption, terrorism, extortion and irregularities if elected.

"Serving the people is our main goal. Delivering affordable healthcare services to people's doorsteps, especially in remote areas, will be our priority," Dr. Bari said, adding that he has long been providing medical services to the poor and destitute.

"With everyone's support, we want to stand beside the people of Bagmara to end social disorder, discrimination and violence. I am committed to building a just society and hopeful that the Scales will win in Bagmara for the first time," he said.

To reach voters, Jamaat-e-Islami has adopted a well-organised campaign strategy from the beginning.

Two other candidates are also contesting the seat - Tazul Islam Khan of Islami Andolon Bangladesh and Fazlul Haque of Jatiya Party.