Preparations for the 13th National Parliamentary Election in Khulna-6, encompassing Koyra and Paikgachha, are intensifying as candidates ramp up their campaigns. The constituency has a total of 423,331 registered voters, comprising 212,869 men and 210,461 women. Five political parties have nominated candidates for the seat. Although the Awami League is not fielding a direct candidate this time, political analysts believe the party’s substantial support base will play a decisive role in determining the outcome.
Historical Election Trends
An analysis of the last 12 parliamentary elections in Khulna-6 shows that Awami League candidates have emerged victorious six times, the highest among all parties. The National Party and Jamaat-e-Islami have each won twice, while the BNP has secured the seat only once, in 1979. Notable results include Jamaat-e-Islami’s victory following the fall of Ershad in 1991, the Awami League’s win in the June 1996 elections, and the BNP-backed Jamaat victory in 2001. Since 2008, the Awami League has consistently held the constituency, historically securing around 40–42% of votes.
| Year | Winning Party / Candidate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1979 | BNP | First victory |
| 1991 | Jamaat-e-Islami | Post-Ershad era |
| 1996 (June) | Awami League | June election |
| 2001 | Jamaat-e-Islami (BNP-supported) | |
| 2008–2018 | Awami League | Consecutive wins |
The Floating Vote Factor
Local sources indicate that this year’s “floating vote” primarily consists of Awami League supporters. Consequently, all candidates are intensifying efforts to capture this crucial segment. Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Md. Abul Kalam Azad initially coordinated with local party leaders, though influence patterns have shifted as the election approaches. BNP candidate S.M. Monirul Hasan Bappi, symbolising “a stack of rice,” held a large rally at Paikgachha Government College ground on 3 February.
Communist Party candidate Prashanta Kumar Mandal commented, “Awami League voters are regarded as floating this year, and their votes will ultimately determine the result.” Other contenders include Md. Asadullah Fakir of Islami Andolon Bangladesh and Md. Mostafa Kamal Jahangir of the National Party.
Campaign Strategies and Voter Engagement
In the final phase of campaigning, candidates are visiting households to engage voters directly. Local Jamaat leaders are confident that Awami League supporters will cast their votes as expected. The BNP is employing independent strategies to connect with voters personally. Sheikh Moniruzzaman, general secretary of the Sujan (Koyra) branch, observed, “The election atmosphere is festive, and candidates are ensuring that even Awami League’s silent supporters will participate actively.”
While the primary contest is expected to be between the BNP and Jamaat candidates, the distribution of the floating votes could ultimately shape the electoral map in Khulna-6.