National polls: Jatiya Party appears largely muted in its northern strongholds

Highlights:

• 10-party alliance kicks off campaign with 8 rallies in two days
• Campaign spans 40 constituencies across Rangpur and Rajshahi divisions
• Jatiya Party fielded 30 candidates, has shown limited visible activity
• No major rallies observed in GM Quader's Rangpur-3
• Jatiya Party placed no candidate in Sarjis Alam's Panchagarh-1 

The Jatiya Party – once the undisputed political heavyweight in the northern districts – appears to be keeping a noticeably low profile in the region under the leadership of GM Quader, fielding 30 contestants in eight districts of Rangpur and Rajshahi divisions in the upcoming national elections.

But over the past two days, Jamaat introduced alliance-backed candidates in 40 constituencies across the eight districts, with leaders from partners – including the National Citizens' Party (NCP).

Prominent contenders of Jatiya Party include party chairman GM Quader in Rangpur-3, secretary general Shamim Haider Patwary in Gaibandha-1 and Gaibandha-5, Mohammad Moshiur Rahman Ranga in Lalmonirhat-1, and Manzum Ali in Rangpur-1.

Infographics: TBS

Since the campaign began, Shamim Haider Patwary has emerged as the most visible Jatiya Party figure on the ground, carrying out street-level outreach while amplifying campaign messages through social media. In a recent Facebook post, he described the plough symbol as a reflection of workers' unity, a stand for justice, and a commitment to humane development.

On the opening day of campaigning, GM Quader addressed a rally in Rangpur on 22 January, calling for the referendum to be thwarted. "We are being hindered in various ways and pushed away from politics. We are not receiving a level playing field. The proposed reforms, under the guise of curbing autocracy, restrict the Prime Minister's powers without granting proper authority. Without power, no one can fulfil their responsibilities. This vote is unconstitutional, unrealistic, and if implemented, will push the country toward instability," he said.

Despite the speech, local sources said Jatiya Party activities have remained largely muted, even in Rangpur-3 – long considered the chairman's home turf. Apart from limited door-to-door outreach, no major rallies or public gatherings have been organised by the party over the past three days.

Rangpur-2 candidate and former MP Anisul Islam Mondal told The Business Standard that he was prioritising grassroots engagement over crowd-heavy rallies. Referring to his tenure from 2009 to 2014, he said his focus remained on employment and practical problem-solving rather than conventional political showmanship.

While Jamaat has largely steered clear of direct confrontation with the Jatiya Party in northern politics, friction continues between the Jatiya Party and the NCP. In October 2024, NCP leaders Hasnat Abdullah and Sarjis Alam were declared "unwelcome" in Rangpur by Jatiya Party activists. The NCP has also repeatedly demanded that parties aligned with the Awami League – including the Jatiya Party – be barred from contesting the election.

At a Jamaat rally in Panchagarh on Friday, Jamaat Ameer Shafiqul Rahman formally handed the NCP's Shapla symbol to Panchagarh-1 candidate Sarjis Alam, a constituency where the Jatiya Party has chosen not to field a candidate. Similar symbolic endorsements were extended to NCP candidates in Rangpur-4, Sirajganj-6 and Dinajpur-5.

Addressing a rally at Rangpur Town Hall, Jamaat Ameer called for political unity, saying that if elected, the party would leave no one out and would work collectively to rebuild the country. Echoing the sentiment, NCP member secretary Akhtar Hossain highlighted local concerns, urging advance notification from India before Teesta water releases to protect crops and homesteads, and calling for a fair and balanced bilateral relationship.