In Rangpur, traditionally considered a stronghold of the Jatiyo Party (JP), the party failed to win a single seat in the 13th national parliamentary elections. Across the country, the party’s candidates, symbolized by the plough, did not manage to secure victory in any of the 196 constituencies they contested. Despite four decades since its founding, JP has never faced such a comprehensive defeat.
The party’s poor performance has triggered widespread reactions in Rangpur. A particular image circulating on social media has attracted attention: the photograph shows a symbolic ‘plough’ placed in front as if holding a janaza (funeral prayer). Several Facebook pages shared the image, jokingly stating that the plough’s janaza was formally performed in Rangpur. The post has sparked mixed reactions among netizens.
According to unofficial election results, JP Chairman GM Quader came third in Rangpur-3 (covering the city corporation and surrounding areas), while the party’s General Secretary, Barrister Shamim Haider Patwary, also finished third in Gaibandha-1.
Rangpur is home to the residence of JP founder and former president Hussain Muhammad Ershad, making it historically a major vote bank for the plough symbol. This year, however, the Jamaat-e-Islami candidates dominated the constituency.
