The political scene in Bogra, traditionally known as a stronghold, is once again bustling with the presence of two top BNP leaders as candidates.
The announcement that Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman will contest from Bogra-7 and Bogra-6 for the first time in the upcoming national elections has brought new momentum to the party.
BNP, Jamaat and other opposition parties are now active in most of the seven seats in Bogra. Jamaat has fielded candidates in all the seats; Islami Andolan, BSD and CPBO are also campaigning. The number of people collecting nomination forms across the district has also increased.
Tarique Rahman’s candidacy in Bogra-6 has created “festivity” among voters, according to local leaders, although Jamaat and leftist parties are also actively contesting. Khaleda Zia is a multiple-time winner in Bogra-7; Even though opposition candidates are ready to contest here, BNP’s confidence remains unwavering.
In other constituencies of the district, new leadership has emerged alongside former BNP MPs—some of whom are facing party divisions, while others are banking on local popularity. The candidate in Bogra-2 is yet to be finalized; there, discussions are underway about the possibility of Nagorik Oikya supporting Mahmudur Rahman Manna.
The political rivalry in Bogra has taken on added importance beyond the normal electoral battle—around the recapture of the party’s “lost stronghold” and the symbolic presence of the national leadership. If the voting environment is assured, district politics could become an indicator of the country’s overall opposition strategy.