Imtiaz Ahmed , Narayanganj

Extortionists, opportunists, and profit-seekers are busy seizing markets, docks, playgrounds, ponds, riversides, city sidewalks, and abandoned government properties under the guise of political connections. Mid-level leaders are preoccupied with securing positions and statuses, while senior leaders seem content indulging in luxuries. The BNP-Jamaat leaders are intensely strategizing for the upcoming national elections, targeting Narayanganj’s five parliamentary constituencies. Such is the analysis of political analysts.

Initially, the political scene featured former MP Muhammad Giasuddin, veteran Jamaat leader Maulana Moinuddin Ahmed, Advocate Sakhawat Hossain Khan, Advocate Abu Al Yusuf Khan Tipu, Araihazar's Nazrul Islam Azad, Rupganj’s Dipu Bhuiyan, and Sonargaon’s Badli Mannan. Occasionally, former MP Advocate Alhaj Abul Kalam appeared in Narayanganj Sadar. At that time, discussions in political circles centered around them. However, the landscape has gradually shifted and continues to evolve.

Currently, it is challenging to determine who will contest from Narayanganj’s five parliamentary seats. There are multiple reasons for this. Leaders who were long inactive in party politics or who had grown stagnant have started demonstrating charisma. Through grand displays, including gifting central leaders on specific occasions, they signal their readiness to contest in the upcoming elections.

Meanwhile, many BNP leaders are gearing up to run in the elections, with a significant number coming from mid-level ranks. Leaders who were active during anti-discrimination movements are now critical of senior leaders, claiming they merely stayed home while the students and the public fought on the streets. These leaders argue that the senior figures had no substantial role, emphasizing, “This time, the real fight begins.”

For the upcoming parliamentary elections, there are likely to be multiple candidates for every BNP seat, leading to factionalism and lobbying. Some leaders have already started lobbying, seeking influence from Tarique Rahman, the party chairperson, or the secretary-general. Consequently, various leaders joining the electoral race could lead to intense competition, even escalating into conflict.

From August to January, significant changes have occurred in Narayanganj’s political landscape. Initially, the overall picture was unclear and fragmented. After August 5, the Awami League withdrew from the streets. Both prominent figures and smaller players disappeared, with some resorting to disguises such as burqas to remain inconspicuous.

At that time, anti-discrimination student leaders dominated the political field. They were not seizing control but were maintaining their presence. The BNP-Jamaat alliance supported the students. Within a month, the political scenario began shifting. After the success of the movement, the anti-discrimination student leaders vacated the streets. Seizing the opportunity, BNP leaders and activists embarked on a full-fleded effort to dominate the political scene, striving to take control of various sectors.

The BNP's first target was the city streets, followed by the industrial areas such as Fatullah’s BSCIC, BKMEA, and the Bangladesh Hosiery Association. They continue their relentless attempts to establish dominance. In these areas, the city’s residents have yet to see any Jamaat leader or even an activist. BNP-affiliated individuals now control commercially significant markets as well.