In Rajshahi-5 (Puthia-Durgapur), election politics has intensified after two influential BNP leaders decided to contest as independent candidates despite being expelled for violating party discipline. The official BNP nominee, former Puthia Upazila chairman Professor Nazrul Islam, faces challenges from Barrister Rezaul Karim and industrialist Isfa Khairul Haque Shimul, both long-time local BNP figures. Their refusal to withdraw has deepened divisions within the party and created new calculations among grassroots activists.

Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami, fielding its Puthia Upazila chief Munzur Rahman as a single candidate, is campaigning vigorously to exploit BNP’s internal conflict. Political analysts suggest Jamaat is determined to strengthen its position amid BNP’s disunity. Other contenders include candidates from the Bangladesh Supreme Party, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, and another independent.

Local voters have expressed mixed reactions, emphasizing performance over promises. With 349,138 registered voters in the constituency, observers note that the final outcome may hinge on how the rebel candidates influence BNP’s traditional vote base.