Rajbari Correspondent: As the 13th National Parliamentary Election of 2026 approaches, the political atmosphere in the Rajbari-1 constituency has reached a fever pitch. On Monday afternoon, the Shaheed Khushi Railway Grounds were transformed into a sea of supporters as Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) nominee and former Member of Parliament, held his final election rally and mass procession.
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An Emotional Farewell to the Campaign Trail
Addressing a massive congregation that spilled into the surrounding streets, Khaiyam delivered a poignant speech, his voice heavy with emotion. Reflecting on a lifetime dedicated to public service, he stated:
“Politics has been the heartbeat of my life since childhood. My youth was spent alongside the hardworking people of this land—the rickshaw pullers, blacksmiths, potters, fishermen, and weavers. You are my kin. I have dedicated my life to the struggle of changing the destiny of this region as one of your own.”
Asserting his integrity amidst a complex political landscape, Khaiyam maintained that his record remains untarnished by corruption. “I may pass away, but I wish to live forever in your hearts through the work I have done for you,” he told the cheering crowds. Following the rally, a massive “Dhaner Sheerh” (Sheaf of Paddy) procession marched through the key arterial roads of Rajbari town, signaling a significant show of strength for the BNP.
The Architect of Modern Rajbari
Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam’s political trajectory is a rare feat in Bangladeshi local governance. Rising from student politics, he served three terms as the head of the Rajbari Municipality (as Chairman and Mayor), earning him the moniker “The Architect of Modern Rajbari.” His tenure saw a radical overhaul of urban infrastructure, including advanced drainage systems, sanitation, and paved road networks.
In the 2001 national elections, he transitioned to the national stage, securing a seat in Parliament. During his term, he was instrumental in the rural electrification and infrastructure development of Rajbari Sadar and Goalanda Upazilas.
Key Pledges and Strategic Importance
The 2026 election in Rajbari-1 is not merely a local contest; it is a referendum on regional development. Khaiyam has positioned himself as the primary advocate for the Padma Barrage and the Second Padma Bridge, serving as the Chairman of the National Implementation Committee for these projects.
The core pillars of his 2026 manifesto include:
Erosion Control: Permanent solutions for the devastating Padma River erosion affecting Goalanda.
Infrastructure: Implementation of the Second Padma Bridge to bolster South-Western connectivity.
Employment: Creating industrial hubs to tackle youth unemployment.
Electoral Landscape: Rajbari-1 at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
| Primary Candidate (BNP) | Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam |
| Key Opponent | Adv. Md. Nurul Islam (Jamaat-e-Islami) |
| Main Symbol | Sheaf of Paddy (Dhaner Sheerh) |
| Primary Issues | Padma Erosion, 2nd Padma Bridge, Unemployment |
| Historical Stronghold | BNP & Local Municipality Governance |
The Road Ahead
While other parties, including the Jatiya Party, remain in the fray, political analysts suggest a head-to-head battle between the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami. For the voters of Rajbari-1, the choice rests between the seasoned experience of a “son of the soil” and a shifting political tide. As the dust settles on the final rallies, all eyes remain on the Padma—the river that has defined both the geography and the destiny of this historic constituency.