Nomination campaign intensifies in Jamalpur 2

Politicians seeking nominations to contest the upcoming general election, from five Jamalpur constituencies, have begun campaigning across the district—to draw the attention of their respective parties.

In the Jamalpur 2 (Islampur Upazila) constituency, an Awami League stronghold, nomination-seekers of various parties hit the campaign trail, months ago, ahead of the December election. So far, the ruling party has won the seat seven times, BNP twice, and Jatiya Party once.

Local Awami League MP Faridul Haque Khan, and reserve seat MP Mahjabeen Khaled, have been trying to secure the nomination of the ruling party. But Faridul appears to be leading the race.

Developing the area’s infrastructure has been the most appealing point of the incumbent MP. During his tenure, he has constructed embankments to prevent Jamuna River erosion, built: a health technology institute, numerous culverts, bridges, and roads—apart from developing the infrastructure for schools, colleges, and madrasas.

Locals say the MP won the voters’ hearts by his initiatives to: spread education, tackle unemployment, develop infrastructure, and take permanent steps to prevent flooding—as well as arrange treatment and an allowance for the poor.

Many voters say they will choose the ruling party to continue developing their area.

On the other hand, BNP’s Islampur Upazila unit chief and former MP Sultan Mahmud Babu, and ASM Abdul Halim, party chief Khaleda Zia’s adviser and former Cabinet secretary, have been campaigning for the nomination.

The party has been less active in the constituency since Babu has not spent time with local BNP activists and supporters. Halim, on the other hand, has maintained a little distance from politics in recent times.

Jahangir Alam Dipu has been campaigning for a ticket from Jatiya Party. Jamaat-e-Islami leader Samiul Haq Faruki has been out in the field seeking the nomination of the 20-party alliance.

Meanwhile, there are rumours that Monjurul Ahsan Khan will vie for the Jamalpur 2 seat from the CPB.

The constituency has 220,889 voters—comprised of 111,105 males and 109,784 females.