Jamaat-e-Islami has declared its readiness to challenge the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in multiple constituencies of Cox’s Bazar ahead of the upcoming 13th national election. The coastal district, known for its long beach and tourism, has four parliamentary seats across nine upazilas. Campaigns are intensifying as BNP, Jamaat, and several smaller parties, including the National Citizen Party (NCP), Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party, and others, engage in day-and-night electioneering. Historically, the region’s voters have leaned toward Islamist and nationalist parties, giving BNP and Jamaat a strong base.

In Cox’s Bazar-1, BNP’s Salahuddin Ahmed faces Jamaat’s Abdullah Al Faruk, while in Cox’s Bazar-2, Jamaat’s Hamidur Rahman Azad’s nomination was canceled over legal issues. BNP’s internal divisions have surfaced in several seats, with multiple factions demanding candidate changes. In Cox’s Bazar-3 and 4, both parties have fielded strong contenders, including Jamaat’s Shahidul Alam Bahadur and Nur Ahmed Anwari. Jamaat leaders believe their organizational strength and renewed public confidence since the “July Revolution” will make them formidable rivals to BNP.

The contests in Cox’s Bazar are expected to be closely fought, with BNP’s dominance facing its strongest challenge in years from Jamaat’s mobilized grassroots network.