In the recent 13th parliamentary election, the BNP celebrated a major victory nationwide but encountered difficulties in its traditional strongholds within Pabna district. Among the five constituencies in Pabna, BNP candidates emerged victorious in two, while Jamaat-e-Islami candidates clinched three seats, including two long-standing BNP bastions.
Shamsur Rahman Shimul Bishwas secured the Pabna-5 constituency, and Selim Reza Habib won in Pabna-2 for the BNP. Meanwhile, Nazibur Rahman triumphed in Pabna-1, Md Ali Asgar in Pabna-3, and Abu Taleb Mondol for Jamaat in Pabna-4.
Of the winners, Selim Reza Habib is an experienced parliamentarian, whereas the other four are new to the role. Reports suggest that internal rifts within the BNP contributed significantly to the party’s losses in Pabna-3 and Pabna-4.
In Pabna-3, BNP’s nominee Hasan Zafir Tuhin faced tough competition from former BNP lawmaker KM Anwarul Islam, ultimately leading to Jamaat’s Md Asgar Ali securing victory by a close margin. Similarly, in Pabna-4, BNP’s Habibur Rahman was defeated, paving the way for Jamaat’s Abu Taleb Mondol to win.
In a notable turn of events, BNP’s Shamsur Rahman Shimul Bishwas emerged victorious in the Pabna-5 seat, historically dominated by Jamaat. This win set new records in the district headquarters seat, as per local BNP leaders.
In Pabna-1, Mohammad Nazibur Rahman continued his family’s political legacy by securing a win against BNP newcomer Shamsur Rahman.
Masud Khondokar, the member secretary of Pabna district’s BNP, mentioned that while the party took action against rebel candidates, their impact on the final results was significant. Local voters observed a considerable support shift towards independent candidates, ultimately benefiting Jamaat.
