BNP-nominated candidate Zainal Abedin has been declared the unofficial winner in the Barishal-3 (Muladi-Babuganj) constituency, according to results from all 126 polling centers. He received 78,131 votes under the paddy sheaf symbol, while his closest rival, Asaduzzaman Bhuiyan (Barrister Fuad) of the Amar Bangladesh Party, secured 57,149 votes with the eagle symbol. The results were announced by Babuganj Upazila Executive Officer and Assistant Returning Officer Asma Ul Husna.

The constituency, known for its river-surrounded and remote geography, has a total of 310,092 registered voters, including 156,846 men, 153,245 women, and one third-gender voter, according to unofficial data. Barishal-3 has traditionally been considered a BNP stronghold, though internal party disputes had previously weakened its unity.

Despite earlier doubts among BNP supporters due to factional conflicts between leaders Zainul Abedin and Begum Selina Rahman, the announcement of Abedin’s victory reportedly sparked celebrations among party activists.