With the 13th National Parliamentary Election approaching, the race for party nominations has already begun. Every potential candidate is making maximum efforts to secure the nomination. However, the situation in Sylhet-3 constituency is quite different. Although several candidates have influence in their respective areas, none have yet been able to gain the full trust of the voters.

The acting chairman of the BNP, Tarique Rahman, has in-laws residing within Sylhet-3 constituency. This makes the seat extremely important for the BNP. Therefore, the voters and general public wish to see a qualified and deserving candidate nominated from this area.

Local residents have expressed mixed opinions. They said there are about six to seven BNP candidates competing in Sylhet-3, while Jamaat-e-Islami is also trying to capture the seat. Other parties have already hung banners and posters across the constituency. Locals believe that if the BNP makes a mistake in choosing the right candidate, Jamaat may take advantage of the situation — especially since there is a strong possibility that Awami League might secretly support Jamaat. Moreover, one of the BNP candidates has been accused of receiving support from Awami League activists, which has angered BNP supporters.

On October 25, a media team visited Balaganj, Fenchuganj, and South Surma under the Sylhet-3 constituency. Local people complained that for the past 15 years, the Awami League government has only worked for personal benefit, neglecting the poor and helpless. Since August 5, even BNP leaders have not checked on them — everyone seems busy with their own affairs. Some leaders have also been accused of tender manipulation and extortion. The public also mentioned the presence of several internal groups within the BNP. Hence, grassroots activists have appealed to Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman to nominate an honest, qualified, and intelligent candidate for the Sylhet-3 seat.

In this context, Dr. Faez Uddin, MBE has already gained notable trust among voters and seems ahead of other candidates. His supporters are distributing Tarique Rahman’s 31-point manifesto across all three upazilas and nearby villages. However, attempts are being made to obstruct Dr. Faez’s campaign — his banners and festoons have been torn down. According to public opinion, this is because Dr. Faez is the only candidate with a truly clean image, and his growing popularity has made rival groups envious.

Several BNP leaders told this reporter that Qayum Chowdhury and Barrister MA Salam also have a lot of acceptance among the people. Qayum Chowdhury is the president of the district BNP. On the other hand, MA Salam was nominated by BNP for this seat in the 2018 national elections.

On condition of anonymity, an Awami League leader told this reporter that if the Awami League is not allowed to contest the elections and if the BNP nominates MA Salam, then our mandates will go for Salam.

In Fenchuganj Bazaar, a tea seller named Liton, who has been selling tea for 17 years, said, “I have a disabled son. In all these years, no one has ever come forward to help with his treatment. Even those who now want BNP nominations never offered any assistance.” Another businessman, Kudus Mia, said, “Years of neglect and discriminatory behavior from our leaders have become unbearable. We will vote for whoever truly stands with helpless people.”

Holding a poster of Dr. Faez, the tea seller Liton added, “I’ve heard that sir is a very good man, though I haven’t met him yet. If he is truly a friend of the poor, we will vote for him. We don’t have complaints against others, but the party leaders should be careful — only then good things will happen. We will stand with whoever stands beside us in our time of need.”

Local businessmen stated that what was once a vibrant region is now suffering from severe infrastructural decay, administrative complications, and developmental stagnation. Citizens are in crisis regarding civic services, transportation, healthcare, and safety. Neglect from the last government has worsened the situation, and public frustration is growing due to inefficiency and indifference. Frequent power cuts, broken roads, and urban waterlogging have become part of daily life. Every sector is plagued by corruption and power grabbing. Internal conflict fueled by ego and jealousy is drowning the BNP, while Jamaat waits for the right moment. The Jatiya Party has lost most of its former influence, and NCP leaders have gained a bad reputation.

Locals further mentioned that Sylhet’s people deeply respect religious scholars (Alems), but when it comes to voting, they usually support their party candidate. Currently, BNP’s popularity is on the rise, but if the party nominates controversial figures, defeat is inevitable.

One of the biggest sufferings for Sylhet residents is the slow progress of the six-lane Sylhet–Dhaka highway. The road is now in such poor condition that it takes nearly 15–16 hours to reach Dhaka. The capital has become practically disconnected, with frequent road accidents and traffic congestion due to battery-run bikes and rickshaws occupying the main road.

A restaurant owner named Rahim Mia said, “During election time, leaders come close to us, but after voting, they disappear. When we ask for help, we have to go through their associates, and even then nothing happens. This time, we’ve heard that BNP will nominate a people-friendly leader. Tarique Rahman is our son-in-law. We hope he will nominate an honest, qualified, and people-oriented leader. We believe Dr. Faez, the younger brother of Professor Dr. Alauddin, would be the right choice.”

Sylhet is a region with a large expatriate population. Although most families have members abroad, there are hardly any factories or industries. Locals from Balaganj said unemployment is rising due to a lack of industrial initiatives from political or business leaders.

Due to government and private sector negligence, people are living with hardship and deprivation. Despite Sylhet’s massive contribution to the national economy through remittances, its residents remain deprived of the benefits. Daily wage earners struggle the most — many survive by driving rickshaws, vans, and working as day laborers.

Another major issue lies in the aviation sector. Due to bureaucratic complications at Osmani International Airport, new airlines are not being allowed to operate flights. As a result, both expatriates and local travelers are suffering greatly.

Although part of Sylhet-3 falls under the Sylhet City Corporation, residents there are still deprived of basic civic services such as proper birth registration, drainage, and road maintenance. No effective government steps have been taken to address these issues, leaving people in constant suffering.

Visiting several local hospitals revealed a severe healthcare crisis — shortage of doctors, lack of medicine, unhygienic environments, and negligence have made proper treatment nearly impossible for the poor. Health services have not improved during the past government’s tenure.

The youth of Fenchuganj claim that if Dr. Faez Uddin is nominated, crime rates will drop. Many young people have become involved in theft, robbery, and drug abuse. Student leader Romin said, “Without effective administrative measures, it will be impossible to control this trend.”

Education has also stagnated — two local colleges have completed construction but have yet to start classes, depriving students of higher education. Locals believe only a leader like Dr. Faez can bring effective solutions across all sectors.

Dr. Mohammad Faez Uddin, MBE, claims he has been fighting against political injustice and corruption for the last 16 years.

He said his banners and posters have been torn down and that his supporters are being intimidated. He urged authorities to take action to prevent political violence.

“To restore the fundamental rights of the people of Sylhet, we must ensure equal development opportunities and prioritize public interest,” he stated.

Experts believe that it is crucial for the central leadership to take effective measures to end Sylhet’s long-standing cycle of neglect and ensure fair development. With its remittance income, tourism potential, and natural resources, Sylhet deserves genuine governmental attention.

Fenchuganj incident:

At several locations in Fenchuganj, Sylhet, campaign materials of BNP nomination aspirant Dr. Mohammad Faez Uddin, MBE, were found torn. Locals reported the incidents even after filing a general diary (GD No. 614) at Fenchuganj Police Station, but no arrests have been made yet. Sources said three more GDs have also been filed regarding similar incidents.

Dr. Faez’s family is known for their humanitarian contributions and long-standing support for the underprivileged. Professor Dr. Alauddin, his elder brother, was a trusted ally of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.

Dr. Mohammad Faez Uddin, MBE, a UK-based community leader, continues his campaign across Sylhet-3 with posters, leaflets, and public meetings. His supporters are actively organizing courtyard gatherings and distributing Tarique Rahman’s 31-point manifesto.

During a visit to Fenchuganj on October 25, it was found that his campaign festoons on the Kushiyara bridge, Chanpur Bazaar, and other areas had been vandalized by opposition groups. His brother, Md. Nizam Uddin, expressed frustration and urged authorities for proper investigation and justice.

Supporters claim that Dr. Faez’s popularity is rising faster than any other candidate. “We are actively campaigning to implement Tarique Rahman’s 31-point reform agenda,” they said.

Constituency Details (Sylhet-3, Seat No. 231)

Includes three upazilas — South Surma, Fenchuganj, and Balaganj.

There are four police stations — South Surma (SMP), Moglabazar (SMP), Fenchuganj, and Balaganj.

There are 19 unions in total:

> South Surma (8 unions): Mollargaon, Tetli, Silam, Lalabazar, Jalalpur, Moglabazar, Dawoodpur, and Kamalabazar.

> Fenchuganj (5 unions): Fenchuganj, Maijgaon, Ghilachhara, Uttar Kushiyara, and Uttar Fenchuganj.

> Balaganj (6 unions): Dewan Bazaar, Purba Gauripur, Paschim Gauripur, Balaganj Sadar, Boaljur, and Purba Pailanpur.

It also includes 6 wards under Sylhet City Corporation: Wards 28, 29, 30, 40, 41, and 42.

Dr. Mohammad Faez Uddin, MBE, has emerged as the symbol of hope for the people of Sylhet-3. His integrity, educational background, social leadership, and humanitarian work have earned him deep respect among the locals. Voters firmly believe that Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will nominate Dr. Faez Uddin, MBE, for Sylhet-3 — giving him the opportunity to serve the neglected people of this constituency.