Narayanganj-4 Turns into a High-Stakes, Symbol-Free Electoral Contest

Narayanganj-4, widely regarded as one of the most influential political constituencies in the district, has emerged as one of the most competitive battlegrounds in the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. A total of 13 candidates are contesting the seat, yet the ballot will not feature the traditional symbols of the BNP or Jamaat-e-Islami.

Both major opposition forces—the BNP and the Jamaat-led alliance—have refrained from fielding official candidates under their own symbols in this constituency, leaving the race unusually open and fragmented.

Representing the BNP-led alliance is Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam central joint secretary general Monir Hossain Kasemi, who is contesting with his party’s symbol, the date palm tree. He had previously contested from the same seat. On the other side, backed by Jamaat-e-Islami and allied groups, National Citizen Party (NCP) candidate Abdullah Al Amin is running with the “lotus bud” symbol.

Adding further intensity to the contest, three former influential BNP leaders are running as independent candidates, alongside nominees from Islami Andolon Bangladesh, Jatiya Party, and several other groups. The result is a crowded and highly competitive race.

Voters Focus on Safety, Development, and Accessibility

Campaign activity is visible across different areas of Fatullah, where almost all candidates are actively engaged in door-to-door outreach and public interactions. Local voters say their priorities include development, freedom from extortion and violence, and electing someone who remains accessible to constituents year-round.

Kamal Uddin, a tea stall owner in the Masdair area, said the election buzz is unmistakable. “There are heavyweight candidates everywhere. People gather here daily to discuss who might finally win,” he said.

Rebel Candidates Complicate the Equation

Although Monir Hossain Kasemi has the backing of the BNP-led alliance, the absence of the BNP’s iconic sheaf-of-paddy symbol has created mixed reactions among grassroots BNP supporters. Kasemi has been campaigning actively to persuade BNP voters to support the alliance symbol, but many local activists remain undecided.

The race has become more complex due to the presence of two senior BNP leaders—Mohammad Shah Alam and former MP Muhammad Gias Uddin—who are contesting as independents. Both were expelled from the party for violating discipline by running against the alliance candidate.

Political observers note that both leaders have deep roots in grassroots politics and loyal followings built through years of activism. Many rank-and-file BNP supporters reportedly feel stronger personal loyalty to them than to the alliance nominee, posing a significant challenge for Kasemi.

Kasemi, however, remains confident. He said alliance workers have begun campaigning in his favor and expressed optimism that voters would ultimately reject candidates operating outside the party framework.

Independent candidate Shah Alam, contesting with the deer symbol, claims he is receiving overwhelming public support. Former MP Gias Uddin, running with the football symbol, also says local residents and activists are working enthusiastically for him, though he alleges his supporters are facing intimidation.

Multiple Alliance-Backed Candidates in the Field

While Jamaat-e-Islami has not directly nominated a candidate, two contenders from the 11-party electoral alliance are in the race. Besides Abdullah Al Amin of the NCP, Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis candidate Anwar Hossain is also contesting.

Al Amin said voters are seeking change in the post-uprising political environment and that support for his campaign is growing steadily. He believes the contest has effectively split into a multi-cornered fight involving alliance candidates and strong independents.

Republican Party Candidate Draws Attention

Adding another layer to the race is Mohammad Ali, executive chairman of the Bangladesh Republican Party. A former BNP affiliate, freedom fighter leader, and ex-senior vice president of the FBCCI, Ali is a familiar face in local politics.

Observers say his presence could attract a segment of BNP-leaning voters. Ali claims strong public response to his campaign and says he remains confident of victory despite alleged pressure on his supporters.