By Md Aynal Haque

RAJSHAHI, Feb 4, 2026 (BSS) - The festive atmosphere of the upcoming parliamentary election has spread from Rajshahi city to remote rural dirt roads across the district's six constituencies.

Although electioneering formally began on January 12, campaigning in Rajshahi initially progressed at a slow pace. With polling day approaching, candidates are now intensifying their efforts, going door to door to reach voters.

From farmers' courtyards and rural haat-bazaars to city intersections, narrow alleyways and tea stalls, campaigning activities have gained momentum.

While candidates from different political parties are active in the field, vigorous campaigning is mainly being carried out by Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami candidates and their supporters.

Though paper posters and plastic banners are largely absent, white cloth banners and festoons with black lettering have been put up almost everywhere, giving the election field a distinctive look.

As the day advances, campaign loudspeakers grow louder. Despite causing some irritation, campaign songs seeking votes have added to the overall festive mood.

Alongside campaign enthusiasm, violations of the election code of conduct have also been reported. Most candidates from the two major parties, BNP and Jamaat, have faced allegations of breaching electoral rules, with summons and show-cause notices issued in several cases.

Violations include hanging festoons on trees and using government facilities during campaigning.

The campaign trail is now dominated by a flurry of promises, with candidates outlining development plans and other commitments during speeches and public interactions.

A total of 29 candidates are contesting in Rajshahi's six parliamentary constituencies. Among them, 26 are nominated by political parties and four are independent candidates. Party nominees have been allotted their respective party symbols, while independent candidates have received reserved alternative symbols.

In Rajshahi-1 (Godagari-Tanore), four candidates are contesting: BNP's Sharif Uddin, Jamaat's Professor Mujibur Rahman, Gano Odhikar Parishad's Md Shahjahan (Truck symbol), and Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party)'s Abdur Rahman (Eagle symbol). The constituency has 468,359 voters, including 234,079 men, 234,277 women and three transgender voters.

Rajshahi-2 (Sadar) has six contenders: BNP's Mizanur Rahman Minu, Jamaat's Dr Mohammad Jahangir, Amar Bangladesh Party's Md Saeed Noman, Nagorik Oikya's Mohammad Shamsul Alam, Bangladesh Labor Party's Mezbaul Islam and independent candidate Saleh Ahmed, who has been allotted the motorcycle symbol. The constituency has 369,564 voters.

Five candidates are contesting in Rajshahi-3 (Paba-Mohanpur): BNP's Shafiqul Haque Milon, Jamaat's Abul Kalam Azad, Jatiya Party's Afzal Hossain, Islami Andolon's Fazlur Rahman and Amjanata Party's Shahid Parvez. The constituency has 423,199 voters.

In Rajshahi-4 (Bagmara), four candidates are in the race: BNP's DM Ziaur Rahman, Jamaat's Abdul Bari Sardar, Jatiya Party's Fazlul Haque and Islami Andolon Bangladesh's Tajul Islam Khan. The total number of voters stands at 319,925.

Rajshahi-5 (Puthia-Durgapur) has six candidates: BNP's Nazrul Islam, Jamaat's Manzur Rahman, Islami Andolon Bangladesh's Ruhul Amin, Bangladesh Supreme Party's Altaf Hossain Mollah, and two independent candidates, Isfa Khairul Haque and Rezaul Karim. The constituency has 353,173 voters.

In Rajshahi-6 (Charghat-Bagha), four candidates are contesting: BNP's Abu Sayeed Chand, Jamaat's Nazmul Haque, Jatiya Party's Iqbal Hossain and Islami Andolon Bangladesh's Abdus Salam Suroj. The constituency has 356,953 voters.

Across the six constituencies, electioneering now resembles a festival. From morning onward, candidates accompanied by party activists are conducting door-to-door campaigns and small processions. After noon, loudspeakers dominate both urban and rural areas, with BNP and Jamaat campaigns particularly visible.

In Rajshahi city wards, daily processions are being held in support of BNP candidate Mizanur Rahman Minu in Rajshahi-2.

Voters in Maria village of Tanore Upazila said both BNP and Jamaat candidates are strong contenders in their area, adding that they will vote for whoever they believe can ensure development and employment. City voters echoed similar sentiments, saying they would support deserving candidates.

Overall, campaigning has reached its peak across Rajshahi. Candidates and supporters remain busy day and night, leaving little time for rest. Though 29 candidates are in the race, the most visible and vocal presence comes from the 12 BNP and Jamaat candidates, among whom a close contest is expected.

Moshiur Rahman, general secretary of the Godagari Private Secondary Assistant Teachers' Forum and a voter in Rajshahi-1, said BNP and Jamaat are evenly matched in his area.

"I think the contest here will be between the 'Sheaf of Paddy' and the 'Scale'. It's hard to say who will ultimately win," he said.

Rajshahi City BNP General Secretary Mahfuzur Rahman Riton said that due to BNP's long-standing strong political position, other parties would not get much opportunity.

"There was some dissatisfaction over nominations, but that has been resolved. Now we are all working together in the election field for our party candidate, which will bring us good results in all constituencies of Rajshahi district," he said.
 
City Jamaat General Secretary Imaj Uddin Mondol said that BNP previously held a strong position, but no longer does.

"The negative stance of BNP leaders and activists will give Jamaat an added advantage in the election field. Voters are also frustrated by these internal disputes," he said.