Political tension has peaked in the Barishal-3 (Babuganj–Muladi) parliamentary constituency ahead of the February 12 election. The seat, comprising two key upazilas, has long been of strategic importance to major parties due to its geographic and transport significance. With the Awami League largely absent from the field, the main contest has emerged among the BNP, Jatiya Party, and the 11-party alliance candidate from Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party.

BNP’s vice chairman Zainul Abedin is contesting to reclaim the party’s traditional stronghold despite internal rifts. The Jatiya Party, led locally by imprisoned former MP Golam Kibria Tipu, is seeking to attract female and pro-alliance voters, while his daughter Habiba Kibria has been campaigning on his behalf. Meanwhile, AB Party’s central secretary Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad has mobilized grassroots support through the 11-party alliance, including Jamaat-e-Islami’s organized network.

Analysts suggest that if voting proceeds freely and fairly, the final result will hinge on independent and neutral voters whose decisions could determine the balance of power in this closely contested race.