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Published : 05 Feb 2026, 02:43 AM
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is struggling to protect its base in Barishal as Jamaat e Islami and Islami Andolan mount strong challenges in several constituencies.
Although Jamaat has no record of victory in the district, it has emerged as a serious contender in at least three of six seats this time.
Islami Andolan candidates are also in the fray in two constituencies, potentially splitting the Islamist vote.
BNP also faces hurdles from internal divisions, with a rebel candidate contesting in Barishal 1.
In Barishal 2, Jamaat’s Abdul Mannan Master is locked in a close race with BNP’s Sardar Sarfuddin Ahmed Santu, with both sides courting Awami League and minority voters as decisive factors.
Local observers say Jamaat’s organisational strength, the influence of Charmonai Pir’s followers, and BNP’s factionalism could obstruct BNP’s desired victories.
In Barishal 1, BNP’s nominee Zahir Uddin Swapon is challenged by Jamaat’s Kamrul Islam Khan, Islami Andolan’s Md Rasel Sardar and Jatiya Party’s Sherniabat Sekendar Ali.
But expelled BNP leader Abdus Sobhan, running as an independent, is seen as a major spoiler.
BNP leaders insist their candidate remains safe, citing support from Awami League and minority voters.
Jamaat leaders, however, claim their candidate will ultimately prevail.
Barishal 1 has 323,817 registered voters, while Barishal 2 has 385,807.
In both constituencies, Awami League votes are expected to play a pivotal role in determining the outcome.
AWAMI LEAGUE VOTES SEEN AS KEY IN BARISHAL 2
In Barishal 2, comprising Banaripara and Uzirpur, Awami League and minority voters are expected to play a decisive role in determining the outcome.
With the Jamaat and Islami Andolan alliance broken, BNP candidate Santu is viewed by supporters as having gained a slight advantage.
Jamaat’s candidate Abdul Mannan, however, remains in a strong position, with both contenders running neck and neck.
Local discussions suggest that BNP and Jamaat leaders are quietly working to draw Awami League voters to their side.
Jamaat leaders claim they are reaching out to all sections of the electorate, regardless of religion, ethnicity or party affiliation.
BNP leader Riaz Mridha alleged that Jamaat had absorbed “all of Awami League’s musclemen”, while insisting BNP had none.
“We have said that those who stand for independence can come to us,” he added.
Voters in the constituency are largely silent, reluctant to express their views openly.
Other candidates are not seen to be campaigning actively.
Barishal 2 has a total of 385,807 registered voters, including 189,544 women and 196,262 men.
FUAD SEEN AS JAMAAT DEPENDENT IN BARISHAL 3
Barishal 3, comprising Babuganj and Muladi Upazilas, is considered a BNP stronghold, with the party fielding Zainul Abedin, president of the Nationalist Lawyers’ Forum.
Some voters believe his main rival could be Jatiya Party leader and former MP Golam Kibria Tipu, who is currently in prison.
His daughter, Habiba Kibria, is leading his campaign, appealing to voters for her father’s release and seeking sympathy.
With two terms in parliament, Tipu retains a loyal party base, and Awami League voters are also seen leaning towards him.
Despite BNP’s traditional dominance, internal divisions remain.
Observers say Abedin is in a favourable position, but only if BNP supporters unite behind the “Sheaf of Paddy” symbol.
The 11 party alliance has nominated AB Party’s Asaduzzaman Fuad, a familiar face nationally from television talk shows.
Since August, he has been active in local campaigning.
However, voters widely view him as entirely dependent on Jamaat support, lacking his own independent vote bank — a weakness for both him and his party.
Other contenders include Islami Andolan’s Muhammad Sirajul Islam, Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal (BaSad)’s Md Azmul Hasan Jihad, and Gono Odhikar Parishad’s Yamin HM Fardin.
Barishal 3 has 332,097 registered voters, including 164,173 women and 167,921 men.
JAMAAT, ISLAMI ANDOLAN AND BNP IN CONTEST FOR BARISHAL 4
Barishal 4, comprising the river surrounded Upazilas of Hizla and Mehendiganj, is traditionally a BNP stronghold.
But this time Jamaat and Islami Andolan candidates are seen to be in strong positions.
Voters believe BNP’s candidate Rajib Ahsan faces tough competition from Jamaat’s Abdul Jabbar and Islami Andolan’s Syed Eshak Md Abul Khair.
A strong female campaigner has helped Jamaat’s candidate reach grassroots voters, while BNP’s Rajib Ahsan is seen as lagging behind in that respect.
Islami Andolan’s Syed Eshak is relying on the support of Charmonai Pir’s followers and devotees.
Other contenders include Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JaSaD)’s Abdus Salam Khokon and Bangladesh Sangskritik Muktijote’s Abdul Jalil.
Barishal 4 has 421,975 registered voters, including 240,030 women and 217,942 men.
JAMAAT ABSENT BUT INFLUENTIAL IN BARISHAL 5
Barishal 5, covering 30 wards of Barishal City Corporation and 10 Unions of Sadar Upazila, features a high profile contest between BNP’s four time MP Mojibur and Islami Andolan’s senior Nayeb e Ameer and Charmonai cleric Faizul Karim.
In honour of Charmonai Pir Rezaul Karim, Jamaat has withdrawn its candidate in this constituency and pledged support for Islami Andolan’s “hand fan” symbol.
Voters say if Jamaat supporters cast their ballots for the hand fan, BNP’s Mojibur Rahman will face a fierce challenge.
BaSaD candidate Manisha Chakraborty has drawn some attention, while Jatiya Party’s Akhtar Rahman, National People's Party (NPP)’s Abdul Hannan Sikdar and Bangladesh Socialist Party (Marxist) candidate Md Saidur Rahman are also contesting, though their campaigns appear limited.
Barishal 5 has 501,303 registered voters, including 250,617 women and 250,677 men.
SHEAF OF PADDY SEEN TO BENEFIT IN BARISHAL 6
Barishal 6, comprising Bakerganj municipality and 14 Unions, is set for a three way contest between BNP’s Md Abul Hossain Khan, Islami Andolan’s Mufti Syed Muhammad Faizul Karim, and Jamaat’s Md Mahmudunnabi.
Although the seat is traditionally regarded as a BNP stronghold, internal divisions could undermine the party’s candidate, voters say.
Both Islami Andolan and Jamaat have mobilised strong grassroots networks, making the outcome uncertain.
Other contenders include Bangladesh Muslim League’s Abdul Quddus, Gono Odhikar Parishad’s Md Salauddin Miah, and independent candidate Md Kamrul Islam.
The constituency has 315,597 registered voters, 155,638 women and 160,055 men.
WHAT THE LEADERS SAY
Jamaat’s Barishal city chief Principal Zahir Uddin Muhammad Babor, said: “In a new Bangladesh, people will vote with new ideas. We have candidates in four seats and one alliance candidate. We hope our nominees will win in five constituencies, InshaAllah.”
Islami Andolan’s Faizul Karim said: “Alhamdulillah, people in Barishal’s six constituencies are ready to vote for change. Based on our campaign and public support, we are confident the hand fan symbol will win across all six seats.”
BNP’s Barisal Divisional Organising Secretary Bilkis Jahan Shirin said, “This election is different. Previously we competed against the Awami League. Now, with the Awami League absent, the contest is naturally with Jamaat and Islami Andolan. We cannot underestimate our rivals. Barishal is BNP territory, and our leaders, activists and supporters will ensure victory for the Sheaf of Paddy in all six constituencies.”
ELECTION FACTS
A total of 36 candidates are contesting across Barishal’s six constituencies.
BNP and Islami Andolan have fielded candidates in all six, while Jatiya Party and Jamaat are contesting in four.
NPP, BaSaD and Gono Odhikar Parishad have candidates in two seats each.
AB Party, Jatiya Party (JP), Bangladesh JaSaD, BaSaD (Marxist) and Muslim League have one candidate each.
Two independents are also in the race.
According to the district election office, Barishal has 2,284,978 registered voters — 1,126,738 women and 1,158,220 men — along with 20 hijra (third-gender) voters.
Balloting will take place in 833 permanent centres with 5,197 booths.
