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KHULNA, Nov 25, 2025 (BSS) – Election campaign has gained significant momentum across all six constituencies of Khulna as candidates of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and several emerging political platforms gear up their campaigns ahead of the upcoming national elections.

Besides, contenders of the National Citizen Party (NCP), Islami Andolon Bangladesh (IAB) and the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) are also making steady progress in their outreach efforts.

Leaders, activists and supporters of the major political parties are spending busy days organizing meetings, rallies, view-exchange sessions and door-to-door campaigns across the district's constituencies.

BNP and its alliance dominated Khulna in the 1991 and 2001 general elections, winning the majority of seats. Once known as "BNP's stronghold," the district saw a political shift after the 1/11 military-backed government, which changed the electoral background. In subsequent elections in 2008 and the widely criticized 2014, 2018 and 2024 polls, the now-banned Awami League (AL) won all six seats.

The political turmoil by the July-August 2024 mass uprising reshaped the arena, toppling the previous administration and reopening space for competitive politics.

Following August 5, 2024, several influential AL leaders in Khulna, including former ministers, MPs and former mayors reportedly went into hiding or faced imprisonment.

Amid this scenario, Jamaat-e-Islami announced candidates for all six Khulna constituencies back in February. They includes prominent leader Prof. Mia Golam Porwar, the party's Secretary General, who previously secured parliamentary victory from Khulna-5.

Jamaat leaders expressed optimism, citing robust grassroots networks and an energized campaign. On the contrary, the Jatiya Party (JaPa), once a coalition partner of the former ruling regime, appears weakened, with public sentiment largely unfavorable.

Islami Andolon Bangladesh maintains an active district-level structure and has finalized its candidates, while the newly formed NCP is drawing significant attention, particularly from young voters. Political analysts widely believe that any winning alliance will likely need NCP support or cooperation.

Khulna-1: Batiaghata and Dacope Upazilas

This minority-heavy seat has long been competitive. Former BNP district convener Amir Ejaz Khan, who got over 100,000 votes in 2018, is again seeking nomination. Other BNP hopefuls include former DU student leader Ziaur Rahman Papul.

Jamaat's Maulana Abu Yusuf, IAB's Maulana Abu Sayeed, and NCP's Md Waheduzzaman and Kailash Chandra Robi Das continue active campaigning.

Khulna-2: Khulna Sadar and Sonadanga

A high-profile constituency once contested by Begum Khaleda Zia, it now sees former MP Nazrul Islam Manju of BNP campaigning intensely. Jamaat's Advocate Jahangir Hossain Helal and IAB's Mufti Amanullah are also visible.

NCP possible candidates Faridul Haque, Rozina Akter and Advocate Moniruzzaman Tulu, along with CPB's Sarder Ruhin Hossain Prince, are conducting various outreach programs.

Khulna-3: City Corporation Wards 1-15 and Parts of Dighalia
BNP's Rakibul Islam Bakul, the party's Student Affairs Secretary, is a strong contender and is campaigning vigorously.

Jamaat's Prof. Mahfuzur Rahman, IAB's Principal Abdul Awal and NCP's S. M. Arifur Rahman Mithu and Azizul Khan Arman are also in the race.

Khulna-4: Rupsa, Terokhada, and Parts of Dighalia

BNP's Information Affairs Secretary Azizul Bari Helal is active round-the-clock. Jamaat's Maulana Kabirul Islam, IAB's Principal Yunus Ahmed, NCP's possible contenders include Mahmudul Hasan Foyezulla and Juthi Akter also making campaign.

Khulna-5: Dumuria, Fultala and Surrounding Areas

Jamaat's heavyweight Prof. Mia Golam Porwar, a former MP, is running again and has maintained close voter ties despite legal and political hurdles.

BNP's former MP and ex-BCB president Ali Asgor Lobi has rejoined active politics and is campaigning aside from temporarily being abroad for Umrah.

IAB's Mufti Abdus Salam and NCP's Sayed Abu Wahid Oni, Towqir Ahmed Sagar and Ishrat Sultana Lamia are also in the field.

Khulna-6: Koyra and Paikgacha

A traditional Jamaat stronghold, the party's Maulana Abul Kalam Azad is campaigning actively. BNP's Monirul Hasan Bappy, IAB's Hafez Asadullah Al Galib and NCP's Sazedul Islam Bappy and Sarder Tuhinuzzaman Sohag are also engaged in voter outreach.

Legal expert Advocate Nurul Hasan Ruba said that only a genuinely neutral election can help restore state institutions "wrecked by fascism."

Sheikh Ashrafuzzaman, president of the Greater Khulna Action Coordination Committee, said, "Fifteen months after the uprising, reforms and justice processes continue. The nation's future depends on free, fair, credible and impartial polls."