Sharif Ahmed, South Surma (Sylhet) 

Sylhet–3 parliamentary constituency comprises three upazilas—South Surma, Fenchuganj, and Balaganj surrounded by the Surma and Kushiyara rivers and Hakaluki Haor.

 The election area is now buzzing with the activities of potential candidates. For a long time, many tested, expatriate-affected, and dedicated leaders and activists have been working with hopes of nomination. On the BNP side, about half a dozen leaders were active in the field as nomination aspirants.

All speculation ended when the central BNP made its final decision and announced its nominated candidate. On Monday evening, 3 November 2025, at 6:00 pm, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced the name of the party’s final nominee at the BNP’s Gulshan office in Dhaka. Since the announcement, the nominated candidate for Sylhet–3, Abdul Malek, has been actively campaigning in the field.

Since 22 January, six candidates have been contesting in the Sylhet–3 constituency. Among them, four are party-backed candidates and two are independent candidates. They are: BNP candidate Abdul Malek (Sheaf of Paddy), Jatiya Party candidate Mohammad Atikur Rahman (Plough), Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis candidate Mawlana Musleh Uddin Raju (Rickshaw), Islami Andolan Bangladesh candidate Radwanul Haque Chowdhury (Hand Fan), independent candidate Mastakim Raja Chowdhury (Football), and independent candidate Moinul Bakor (Computer).

The Sylhet–3 constituency has a total of 415,966 voters. Among them, South Surma upazila—consisting of six wards of Sylhet City Corporation (28, 29, 30, 40, 41, and 42) and eight union parishads—has 220,658 voters. Fenchuganj upazila, with five union parishads, has 93,390 voters, and Balaganj upazila, with six union parishads, has 101,918 voters. In South Surma, there are 79 polling centers and 460 polling booths.

With only 10 days left, the election race in Sylhet–3 is heating up, led by BNP candidate Mohammad Abdul Malek and Islamic Alliance candidate Mawlana Musleh Uddin Raju. Meanwhile, Islami Andolan Bangladesh candidate Radwanul Haque Chowdhury and Jatiya Party Presidium Member Alhaj Atikur Rahman are continuing their campaigns through mass communication and social media.

Campaigning for the much-anticipated 13th National Parliamentary Election officially began on Thursday. With the election approaching, the Sylhet–3 constituency has already turned into a multifaceted political battleground. The contest here is not limited only to party strength; rather, ideological positions, organizational capacity, local influence, and the mindset of general voters will together determine the final equation. In this six-candidate race, who is ahead and who may change the voter equation is now a hot topic—from tea stalls to social media discussions.

BNP candidate Mohammad Abdul Malek is a long-time face of opposition politics. In the current political reality, he is the most talked-about name in Sylhet–3. During previous anti-government movements, even while staying abroad, he played an active role in keeping the party flag flying internationally.

Jatiya Party candidate Mohammad Atikur Rahman is once again contesting the election. He is a well-known face in Sylhet–3 and has been seen in competition in several past parliamentary elections. Despite wide recognition, electoral success has so far eluded him. Although Jatiya Party has played important roles in various elections in the past, questions have recently arisen regarding the party’s organizational strength and political influence. Still, his presence adds a different dimension to the Sylhet–3 race, contributing to political diversity and strategic calculations. He is trying to capitalize on his prior familiarity among voters.

Shahid Ahmed, convener of the Jatiya Party in Moglabazar Thana, said that due to internal divisions, many are not participating in election campaigning. However, leaders and activists from eight unions have been requested to take part in election activities.

Mawlana Musleh Uddin Raju represents the legacy of the Alam family and the Islamic alliance. He is the son of renowned Islamic scholar Hafiz Mawlana Nur Uddin Ahmad Gohorpuri (RA). As the Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis candidate, he represents another stream of religion-based politics in Sylhet–3. Supported by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and allied groups, this is his first participation in a national parliamentary election. Before entering active politics, he was primarily known as a Hafiz and Islamic scholar, which may make him acceptable to a segment of religious voters.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh candidate Radwanul Haque Chowdhury is campaigning with a message of ethical politics. As a new face in Sylhet–3, he is actively trying to gain the trust of religious voters as the party’s sole candidate.

Independent candidate Mastakim Raja Chowdhury remains a silent but potentially influential contender. This is his first time contesting a parliamentary election. Through educational and social development activities, he has built a local profile. Although new to the election field, his influence cannot be entirely ignored. His presence may contribute to vote splitting, which could play a significant role in determining the final outcome. Often, such silent candidates emerge as unexpected factors in the final stages of an election.

Independent candidate Moinul Bakor presents himself as an alternative voice after returning from abroad. Standing outside party politics, he is trying to establish himself as a qualified and alternative candidate.

Ultimately, the final verdict will be delivered by the voters. Taken together, the Sylhet–3 election has become a multidimensional contest—where dominance of major parties, alternative messages from independent candidates, and the positioning of religion-based politics are all competing to shape the outcome.

Regarding election preparations, South Surma Upazila Election Officer Swarnali Chakraborty said that all preparations are almost in the final stage. Training has begun for presiding officers, assistant presiding officers, and polling officers. Law enforcement personnel are also being trained.