Rajshahi, Feb 06 (V7N) - Independent candidates have emerged as a crucial factor in seven out of the 39 parliamentary constituencies in Rajshahi division, significantly shaping the electoral landscape ahead of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election.

Most of these independents are former Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leaders who are contesting the polls after failing to secure party nominations. Their presence, alongside Jamaat-e-Islami candidates in several seats, has made vote calculations more complex, with general voters and grassroots political activists closely watching their prospects.

Election Commission sources said independent candidates are contesting in one seat in Rajshahi, two in Natore, two in Naogaon and two seats in Pabna, with a total of eight independent contenders across these constituencies. Many of them are campaigning intensively and have already built strong positions in their respective areas.

In Rajshahi-5 (Puthia–Durgapur), BNP candidate Professor Nazrul Islam is facing competition from former BNP leader Rezaul Karim and independent candidate Isfa Khairul Shimul, alongside Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Manjur Rahman. The constituency is witnessing a three-way contest.

In Natore, two of the four seats feature BNP rebel candidates. In Natore-1 (Lalpur–Bagatipara), BNP nominee Farzana Sharmin is up against former party leader Taiful Islam Tipu, while Jamaat candidate Abul Kalam Azad is also in the race. In Natore-3 (Singra), BNP candidate Anwarul Islam is contesting against rebel Daudar Mahmud, with Jamaat-led 11-party alliance candidate Zarjis Quadir also in the fray, although the main contest is expected between the BNP nominee and the rebel candidate.

Naogaon also has notable rebel contests. In Naogaon-3 (Mahadebpur–Badalgachi), BNP candidate Fazle Huda faces strong opposition from Parvez Arefin Siddiqui, son of former BNP deputy speaker Akhtar Hamid Siddiqui, along with Jamaat candidate Mahfuzur Rahman. In Naogaon-6 (Atrai–Raninagar), former state minister and ex-deputy speaker Alamgir Kabir is running as an independent against BNP’s nominated candidate Sheikh Md Rezaul Islam.

In Pabna, two constituencies feature rebel candidates. In Pabna-3 (Bhangura–Faridpur–Chatmohar), BNP candidate and Central Krishak Dal President Krishibid Hasan Jabid Tuhin is competing with former MP AKM Anwarul Islam and Jamaat candidate Mohammad Ali Asgar. In Pabna-4 (Ishwardi–Atghoria), BNP nominee Habibur Rahman Habib is facing independent Zakaria Pintu and Jamaat candidate Nayeb Ameer Abu Taleb Mandal, though the main contest is expected between the BNP and Jamaat candidates.

Commenting on the situation, BNP Rajshahi Divisional Organising Secretary Syed Shahin Shawkat said the northern region remains a BNP stronghold. “BNP candidates are ahead in most seats, but the presence of a few rebel candidates will pose challenges in some constituencies,” he said.

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