Sirajul Islam, Shariatpur Correspondent
Campaigning in Shariatpur-1 constituency (Shariatpur Sadar–Zajira) has intensified ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, with Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Dr. Mosharraf Hossain Masud emerging as the most prominent figure in the race. At the same time, internal unrest has surfaced within the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), as a section of party leaders and activists are demanding a change in party nomination.
Dr. Mosharraf Hossain Masud, a former President of Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir at Dhaka University and a member of the party’s central executive council, has been carrying out extensive grassroots campaigning across all villages of Shariatpur Sadar and Zajira upazilas. Local voters say his personal reputation, social engagement and long-standing public presence have placed him at the top in terms of popularity among general voters.
Several voters remarked that Dr. Masud currently enjoys a clear lead in popularity in Shariatpur-1. They also expressed the view that if the alliance were to nominate any candidate other than Dr. Mosharraf Hossain Masud, that candidate would risk losing their election deposit. Political observers note that there is little doubt that the Jamaat-e-Islami candidate remains at the forefront of the electoral field so far.
Meanwhile, tension is escalating within the BNP over its party nomination in Shariatpur-1. Internal factionalism and dissatisfaction among grassroots leaders have become increasingly visible, particularly over the nomination of BNP’s declared candidate, Saeed Ahmed Aslam.
Grassroots leaders and a section of party activists claim they are unable to accept Saeed Ahmed Aslam as the candidate for Shariatpur-1. Almost daily, protests, rallies and demonstrations have been held in different parts of the constituency demanding the cancellation of his nomination and calling for the nomination of Shariatpur district BNP General Secretary Sardar AKM Nasir Uddin Kalu instead.
Protesters argue that Saeed Ahmed Aslam is a permanent resident of Damudya upazila under Shariatpur-3 constituency and that nominating a candidate from another constituency while ignoring long-serving grassroots leaders has caused resentment. BNP leaders including Chayan Mia Madbar, Abdus Samad, a former municipal commissioner, and other disgruntled activists alleged that sidelining grassroots opinion could ultimately benefit rival candidates, including Jamaat-e-Islami.
Over the past several days, BNP activists have organized human chains, protest rallies, torch processions, road blockades and demonstrations at various locations. Protesters have also burned tires on city streets and chanted slogans demanding the party’s central leadership reconsider its decision. Due to the ongoing internal conflict, many general voters say they are now feeling confused and uncertain.
Ali Azam Sardar, President of BNP’s Ward No. 5 unit in Shariatpur municipality, said, “A leader from another constituency has been nominated in Shariatpur-1, while a dedicated grassroots leader has been ignored. We cannot accept this. Our movement will continue until the nomination is changed.”
Nazmul Chhayal, Joint Convener of the Sadar Upazila unit of BNP’s volunteer wing, said that although Saeed Ahmed Aslam is a district-level leader, he is a permanent resident of Shariatpur-3 constituency.
Expressing voter sentiment, Nirob Sikder, a young voter from Zajira upazila, said, “I used to think BNP was the only alternative. But if they cannot remain united, voters are forced to consider other options. This time, we will support those who speak for good governance and stand against corruption.”
However, Anis Sardar, a young voter from Sadar upazila and a supporter of Saeed Ahmed Aslam, said, “Whoever BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has chosen and given the party symbol, we will vote for him collectively, even if he is from another upazila.”
Political analyst Dr. Towab Hossain, an Associate Professor of Political Science at National University and a resident of Shariatpur, said ignoring grassroots opinion often proves costly in Bangladesh’s electoral politics. “If BNP fails to resolve its internal divisions in Shariatpur-1 quickly, rival candidates will directly benefit,” he added.
Responding to the situation, BNP-nominated candidate Saeed Ahmed Aslam said, “We do not believe in politics of vengeance. We want to work in unity with everyone.”
