Rajshahi-3: Main contest likely between the Sheaf of Paddy and the Scales

The 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum are knocking at the door as  only two days remain until voting day.  In Rajshahi-3 (Paba–Mohanpur) constituency, the election atmosphere is now blowing strongly. The busyness of candidates, campaign processions, courtyard meetings, and the tunes of campaign theme songs have heated up the electoral field. Even the mild winter chill of Magh seems to have vanished amid the mounting excitement.

For the first time, this is a poster-free election, so the emphasis has shifted to digital campaigning. Party theme songs are being played on Facebook, YouTube, and even through loudspeakers. From village to village, neighborhood to neighborhood, election discussions are everywhere. CCTV cameras have been installed at polling centers. Monitoring cells have been opened, and voting through postal ballots is underway.

In the constituency, candidates from the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami supported by the 11-party alliance, Jatiya Party, Islami Andolon Bangladesh, Amjanatar Dal, and one independent candidate are contesting. Candidates are holding one meeting after another with their supporters—rallies, door-to-door outreach, and marches. In some places, the participation of family members has created a festive atmosphere. In this election, the BNP’s slogan is “Bangladesh First,” while Jamaat-e-Islami’s slogan is “Let’s build Bangladesh together.”

Both young and elderly voters in Paba–Mohanpur say this time: “We don’t want a shower of promises; we want proof of work. A peaceful, violence-free vote must be the first condition for the future.” Young voters insist that without ensuring security, transparency, and neutrality, the credibility of the election will be damaged. Although six candidates are contesting in this constituency, the main battle on the electoral stage will be between the Sheaf of Paddy and the Scales. Female voters are expected to play a major role in determining the election result. 

Voters’ expectations are peace, development, and sending a genuine public servant to Parliament. On this issue, Mahbubur Rashid, former UP chairman and general secretary of Mohanpur Upazila BNP, said that if a free and fair election is held and people can go to the polling centers, there will be a landslide victory for the Sheaf of Paddy, Insha’Allah.

Former organizing secretary and former UP Chairman Professor Kazim Uddin said that the popularity of BNP-nominated Sheaf of Paddy candidate Advocate Shafiqul Haque Milon has increased widely at the grassroots level. Judging by the response and enthusiasm of the grassroots people, it is clear that a voting revolution will take place in Paba–Mohanpur. They believe this constituency will see one of the largest victory margins after Tarique Rahman. BNP-nominated candidate Advocate Shafiqul Haque Milon said, “I share in the joys and sorrows of the people of Paba–Mohanpur. If elected, I will work on road development, establishing an agricultural hub and an agricultural university, training unemployed youth, modernizing the Upazila Health Complex, and building a drug-free society. I will speak in Parliament to establish people’s rights and dignity.”

On the other hand, Professor Maulana Abdul Awal, Ameer of Mohanpur Upazila Jamaat-e-Islami and the candidate’s election agent (member secretary), said that although there have been allegations of harassment of female workers in some areas, overall the election environment remains calm. Just as student organizations at various universities have achieved landslide victories, they too will secure a similar landslide victory in this constituency, Insha’Allah. They are 100 percent optimistic about winning the election.

Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Professor Md. Abul Kalam Azad said, “People want change. The vote on February 12 will be a day of public awakening to establish a just and welfare-based state. Insha’Allah, through the victory of the Scales, a new journey toward good governance will begin.” There are a total of 423,738 voters in Rajshahi-3 constituency: male voters 210,897; female voters 212,835; third-gender voters 6. The total number of polling centers is 131. Other candidates contesting in this constituency include: Md. Afzal Hossain of the Jatiya Party (Plough), Md. Fazlur Rahman of Islami Andolon Bangladesh (Hand Fan), Sayeed Parvez of Amjanatar Dal (Prajati), and Habiba Begum as an independent candidate (Football).

To ensure a free, fair, and neutral election, law and order and adherence to the code of conduct are being maintained by four election-duty magistrates (two per team), joint force checkpoints, and coordinated duties by the Army, Police, BGB, and other law-enforcement agencies. Authorities said modern technologies—such as body-worn cameras and drones—will be used to quickly detect and address any untoward situation. Rapid Action Teams and Quick Response Forces are on standby at all times, and helicopter support is also available if needed.