BNP eyes reclaiming seat, Jamaat seeks comeback in Khulna-6
Historically, Khulna-6 has been considered a stronghold of Jamaat-e-Islami. In previous elections, BNP and Jamaat were allies, and BNP often left the seat for Jamaat. With the alliance now broken, both parties are contesting separately.
The Khulna-6 parliamentary constituency, covering Koyra and Paikgacha upazilas, is witnessing a tough contest in the 13th national parliamentary election, with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) aiming to secure the seat and Jamaat-e-Islami striving to make a comeback.
Historically, Khulna-6 has been considered a stronghold of Jamaat-e-Islami. In previous elections, BNP and Jamaat were allies, and BNP often left the seat for Jamaat. With the alliance now broken, both parties are contesting separately.
BNP's prospects hinge on maintaining internal party unity, while Jamaat's chances could improve if BNP experiences division, according to voters and election observers.
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BNP candidate SM Monirul Hasan Bappi is facing Jamaat-e-Islami's Abul Kalam Azad. Other candidates in the fray include Mostafa Kamal Jahangir of Jatiya Party, Md Asadullah Fakir of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, and Prashanta Kumar Mandal of the Communist Party of Bangladesh.
Local political leaders said BNP last won the seat in 1979, while Jamaat secured victories in 1991 and 2001. Voters predict the main battle this year will be between BNP and Jamaat.
Maulana Suja Uddin, Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary of Koyra Upazila, said the constituency is traditionally a Jamaat stronghold. "Considering public response, we are hopeful that the candidate with the 'Scales' symbol will win again," he said.
Local BNP leaders also expressed optimism. MA Hasan, Member Secretary of Koyra Upazila BNP Election Management Committee, said the party has its own vote bank in the area, which it could now fully mobilize. "With our own candidate in the race, we hope to reclaim the seat after a long gap," he said.
Election Commission data show that Khulna-6 has 418,734 registered voters, including 208,524 women, 210,209 men, and one third-gender voter.
Candidates and their supporters are actively campaigning door-to-door. Voters in this coastal region are seeking meaningful change, particularly in development and disaster management.
Paikgacha resident Samir Bhattachariya said the constituency has 94,613 Hindu voters. "Whichever side wins the support of these voters is likely to prevail. Even a small margin could be decisive," he said.
Labourers in the area, many dependent on the Sundarbans, are facing climate-related challenges. Key election issues include coastal development, law and order, minority and women's security, better roads and communication networks, safe drinking water, improved healthcare, and tourism development in the Sundarbans.
BNP candidate Monirul Hasan Bappi told BSS that if elected, he would construct sustainable embankments, provide safe drinking water to all households, establish a 250-bed hospital in Koyra, set up judicial courts in Koyra and Paikgacha, and ensure transparency in development projects.
Jamaat candidate Abul Kalam Azad alleged that previous representatives' corruption and inactivity led to misuse of government funds. He promised to build durable embankments, improve roads and schools, ensure safe drinking water, and upgrade healthcare services if elected.
