With the 13th parliamentary election approaching, political activity in Chattogram has surged as at least 40 BNP leaders position themselves to contest in 16 constituencies. After over a decade of adversity, marked by government crackdowns and internal disarray, BNP activists are gradually becoming active. August 5 marked a significant shift, with many leaders reclaiming their presence in areas long dominated by the ruling Awami League.

The BNP’s organizational secretary, Mahbubur Rahman Shamim, expressed optimism about a fair election, emphasizing the importance of creating a democratic environment where people can freely vote for their representatives. Shamim also acknowledged internal competition for nominations but warned against any organizational indiscipline during this process.

Local BNP activists confirmed that many leaders had remained inactive due to years of legal and political pressure. However, recent developments, including a weakened Awami League presence in many areas, have emboldened BNP leaders. Some leaders who had distanced themselves from party activities over the past 15 years are now actively engaging with grassroots supporters and the general public.

In the Chattogram-1 (Mirsarai) constituency, BNP's potential candidates include Nurul Amin, the joint convener of Chattogram North District BNP, and Shahidul Islam Chowdhury, the convener of the upazila unit. Both are working to reclaim the area from Awami League’s long-standing dominance, particularly after the legal troubles and imprisonment of Awami League leader Mosharraf Hossain.

In Chattogram-2 (Fatikchhari), key contenders include Sarwar Alamgir, Azim Ullah Bahar, Faisal Mahmud Faizi, and Kader Gani Chowdhury. Both Alamgir and Bahar are leading grassroots initiatives to solidify their positions.

The Chattogram-3 (Sandwip) constituency has several aspirants, including Belayet Hossain, former MP Mustafa Kamal Pasha, and BNP central member Milton Bhuiyan.

In Chattogram-4 (Sitakunda), Aslam Chowdhury stands out as the dominant leader, with minimal internal competition.

The Chattogram-5 (Hathazari) constituency features candidates such as BNP Chairperson’s Adviser SM Fazlul Haque, central organizing secretary Mir Helal, and Sakila Farzana, daughter of late BNP leader Syed Wahidul Alam.

Chattogram-6 (Raozan) has become a hotspot for internal conflict, with Golam Akbar Khondkar and Giasuddin Kader Chowdhury leading rival factions. The area has witnessed over 50 clashes between the two groups in recent months.

For Chattogram-7 (Rangunia), potential candidates include Hummam Kader Chowdhury, Kutub Uddin Chowdhury, and Abu Ahmed Hasnat.

In Chattogram-8, once represented by former MP Morshed Khan, Ershad Ullah and Abu Sufian are actively vying for the nomination.

Chattogram-9 (Kotwali) sees prominent figures like former minister Mir Mohammad Nasir Uddin, Shamsul Alam, and Abul Hashem Bakkar as contenders.

The Chattogram-10 (Double Mooring) constituency features heavyweight candidates such as Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury and Abdullah Al Noman, alongside potential entrant Saeed Al Noman.

In Chattogram-11 (Port-Patenga), Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury maintains strong control, with speculation that either he or his son, Israfil Khasru, will contest.

Chattogram-12 (Patiya) has notable candidates such as former MP Gazi Shahjahan Jewel, Enamul Haque Enam, and Syed Sadat Ahmed.

The Chattogram-13 (Anwara-Karnaphuli) constituency sees competition among Sarwar Jamal Nizam, Mostafizur Rahman, Lion Helal Uddin, and Ali Abbas.

In Chattogram-14 (Chandanaish), Mahsin Zillur Karim, Mizanul Haque, MA Hashem Raju, and Nurul Anwar are actively campaigning.

Chattogram-15 (Lohagara-Satkania) has Professor Sheikh Mahyuddin, Mujibur Rahman, Nazmul Mustafa, and Jamal Hossain as contenders.

Lastly, in Chattogram-16 (Banshkhali), former minister Zafrul Islam’s sons, Zahirul Islam and Mishkatul Chowdhury, are prominent contenders, alongside Kamrul Islam Hossaini and Liaquat Ali Chairman.

As the political stage in Chattogram heats up, BNP leaders are working tirelessly to reconnect with the electorate and establish their dominance in the constituencies. With 87,363 new voters added to the rolls, including 60,053 men, 27,308 women, and 60 transgender voters, the dynamics of the upcoming election may prove unpredictable.