With only three days remaining, the by-election for the Bogura-6 constituency is approaching, with polling scheduled for April 9. Despite significant campaigning and enthusiasm among the leaders and activists of the two major parties, a festive mood is noticeably absent among general voters.

Common voters suggest that the nature of a by-election itself has dampened public interest.

However, local voters said that while turnout may not match the levels seen on February 12 parliamentary election, supporters and activists of the main political parties will still show up at the polling stations.

In the 13th National Parliamentary Election, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman won this seat with 216,284 votes. His nearest rival, Abidur Rahman, representing the Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party alliance, secured 97,026 votes. Voter turnout during that election was 69 percent.

After the BNP formed the government, Tarique Rahman vacated the seat, leading the Election Commission to announce the by-poll schedule, with voting set for April 9.

Three candidates are contesting the by-election: Rezaul Karim Badsha, president of Bogura District BNP and former mayor of Bogura municipality, representing the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP); Abidur Rahman (Sohel), ameer of Bogura Town Jamaat, representing Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami; and Md Al-Amin Talukdar of the Bangladesh Development Party is the third candidate.

The constituency has a total of 450,307 voters, including 230,374 women, 219,923 men, and 10 Hijra voters. There are 150 polling centres for the Bogura-6 by-polls.

According to police intelligence reports, five centres have been identified as highly risky (vulnerable), while 48 are considered less risky.

Election Commission data shows that 3,736 voters -- 863 women and 2,873 men -- have registered for postal ballots for this election.

Since the official start of campaigning on March 16, the presence of the two major parties has been visible through slogans, banners, and festoons across the constituency.

However, the presence of Bangladesh Development Party candidate Md Al-Amin has been minimal.

This correspondent could not reach Md Al-Amin for comment.

Despite the visibility of the major parties, visits to various areas over the last two days found a lack of election fervour in public gathering spots.

Shah Alam, a 70-year-old construction helper in the Bogura Railgate area, said that voters working outside Bogura are unlikely to return for a by-election, leading to lower turnout.

Shahjahan Ali, an auto-rickshaw driver, echoed this sentiment, though he added that party loyalists would definitely vote.

Mobarak Ali, another auto-rickshaw puller from the Dabtala area of Bogura Sadar, told The Daily Star that the excitement of February 12 is missing because people generally feel less motivated for by-election.

BNP supporters remain hopeful, arguing that residents will vote for the party to ensure the continued development of Bogura.

Conversely, Jamaat supporters believe their candidate will increase his vote share this time and provide a strong challenge to the BNP.

Speaking to The Daily Star, Jamaat candidate Abidur admitted that he sees little enthusiasm among the public.

Abidur said, “Voters feel fatigued by repeated elections in the same seat and are somewhat frustrated.”

However, he expressed confidence that if a level playing field is maintained, he will win by a large margin.

BNP candidate Rezaul disagreed, telling The Daily Star that while enthusiasm was initially low, his team has successfully mobilised the public over the last few days.

He expects a turnout similar to February 12, predicting that voters will choose the BNP because it is currently in power and essential for the region's development.

“I hope to secure 70 percent of the total votes,” said Badsha.

Meanwhile, Election Commissioner Brigadier General (Retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah held a meeting with law enforcement, vigilance, and observation teams at the Bogura Deputy Commissioner’s office yesterday.

He emphasised that although the national election was peaceful, the Commission is not taking this by-election lightly and will take strict action against anyone found negligent in their duties.