Barrister Muhammad Nawshad Zamir. File photo

PANCHAGARH, Feb 15, 2026 (BSS) - The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has regained the Panchagarh-1 constituency after nearly 15 years, with Barrister Muhammad Nawshad Zamir securing a decisive victory in the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election.

Nawshad Zamir, son of BNP Standing Committee Member and former Speaker Barrister Jamiruddin Sircar, won the seat with the sheaf of paddy symbol, defeating Sarjis Alam of the National Citizen Party, who contested with the water lily symbol. The constituency covers Panchagarh Sadar, Atwari and Tetulia upazilas.

According to official results announced by Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner Kazi Md Sayemuzzaman, Zamir secured 176,169 votes, while Alam received 168,049 votes. The margin of victory stood at 8,120.

BNP has a long tradition in Panchagarh-1. Mirza Golam Hafiz, uncle of BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, was elected in 1991. later, Jamiruddin Sircar won consecutive terms in 1996 and 2001. 

However, the seat went to the Awami League in 2008 and, through three consecutive controversial elections in 2014, 2018, and 2024, remained under its control until now.

Local BNP activists expressed optimism about the party's renewed foothold. Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal leader Habibur Rahman Habib said, "Under Nawshad Zamir's leadership, we will advance the politics of development." 

Jubo Dal activist Mamun Khan added, "He is an educated candidate with a clean image. People voted spontaneously for the sheaf of paddy."

In his immediate reaction, Nawshad Zamir said, "We want to work together for our district with everyone, irrespective of party affiliation. Differences of opinion will not stand in the way of collective progress."

Voting was held at 155 centres from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm on February 12. Results were declared the same night.