It was Saturday, 12 noon, at the mausoleum of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Tungipara, Gopalganj. The area appeared largely deserted and quiet. Buses and private vehicles no longer arrive in large numbers, unlike during the years of Awami League rule, when crowds gathered throughout the year.
All gates of the mausoleum complex have remained closed since 5 August 2024, with police maintaining strict security both inside and outside the premises. Near a tea stall close to Gate No. 3, a few local residents were seen chatting. When asked about the upcoming vote, there was little visible enthusiasm. One person said he would not vote at all. Another, whose family includes several local Awami League officeholders, remarked that some people would still go to polling stations, but voter turnout would be very low.
In contrast, voter interest appeared somewhat higher in Gopalganj town and other upazilas of the district. Banners and posters of rival candidates were visible across neighborhoods, and campaign announcements could be heard over loudspeakers. From early morning until late at night, many candidates remained busy with door-to-door outreach. Candidates from the BNP, Jamaat, independents, and other parties were attending courtyard meetings, rallies, and religious gatherings. Efforts to engage voters were also noticeable on social media platforms.
Local residents believe that voter turnout will be relatively higher in Gopalganj town and other upazilas, except Tungipara and Kotalipara.
Gopalganj is widely known as a stronghold of the Awami League. The district has three parliamentary constituencies, and since 1991, no party outside the Awami League has been able to mount a serious challenge in these seats.
This time, however, the Awami League is absent from the electoral race, as it is across the country. The party’s activities have been banned, while many of its leaders are either in prison or in hiding. Longtime figures such as Sheikh Hasina, Sheikh Selim, and Faruk Khan, who previously served multiple terms as members of parliament and held positions as prime minister or ministers, are not contesting the election.
As a result, BNP candidates have emerged as the most active force in the electoral field. Independent candidates and nominees from the Jamaat-led 11-party electoral alliance are also attempting to keep pace.
Azizur Rahman, a voter from Ulpur Union in the Gopalganj-2 (Sadar and part of Kashiani) constituency, said the absence of Sheikh Hasina, Sheikh Selim, and Faruk Khan from the ballot is a new experience for the district. He noted that people are curious about who will replace these leaders, but predicted that voter turnout would not exceed 30 to 40 percent. In the past, Awami League leaders won by margins exceeding 100,000 votes. This time, he said, a new “king” may be elected with far fewer votes.
Conversations with voters across Gopalganj suggest that there may be stronger support for a “No” vote in the referendum in this district.
Local politicians and voters also pointed out that in neighboring districts such as Faridpur, Madaripur, and Shariatpur, the Awami League has remained influential for a long time. As a result, the absence of the party from the ballot has had a noticeable impact. Voters who traditionally supported the Awami League and still choose to go to polling stations are expected to play a decisive role in determining the outcome.
