Krishna Nandi, Jamaat-e-Islami’s lone Hindu candidate, loses Khulna-1 seat to BNP’s Ameer Ejaz Khan in Bangladesh Election 2026 amid minority safety debate.
Krishna Nandi entered the race as Jamaat-e-Islami’s only Hindu candidate, presenting himself as a symbol of minority inclusion. (Photo: Social Media)
The Khulna-1 constituency delivered a decisive result in Bangladesh’s 2026 parliamentary elections as BNP leader Ameer Ejaz Khan defeated Krishna Nandi, the only Hindu candidate fielded by Jamaat-e-Islami. The contest drew nationwide attention due to Nandi’s unique political position and the wider debate about minority representation in the country’s politics.
Khan, representing the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, secured 121,352 votes with the paddy sheaf symbol, while Nandi managed 70,346 votes with the Daripalla symbol. The result marked a strong showing for the BNP in the region and reshaped the political balance of the constituency.
The Khulna-1 seat, which covers Botiaghata and Dacope areas, saw intense campaigning from multiple parties. Ameer Ejaz Khan won by a wide margin, reflecting growing support for his party during the national elections.
This result also ended the constituency’s recent political pattern dominated by leaders from the Awami League. Khan’s victory highlighted the ongoing shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape following major national changes in recent years.
Krishna Nandi entered the race as Jamaat-e-Islami’s only Hindu candidate, presenting himself as a symbol of minority inclusion. During the campaign, he argued that his participation proved Bangladeshi Hindus could find space within all political platforms.
Ahead of the election, he wrote, "My name is Krishna Nandi. I am a Hindu. I am a businessman. I am also a parliamentary candidate of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. For many readers, this combination appears unusual. For me, it reflects a deeper truth about politics in Bangladesh that has long been obscured by fear, misinformation, and political convenience."
He also added, "If Jamaat-e-Islami comes to power, no Hindu will have to leave Bangladesh. No Hindu will be forced to go to India. Instead, Hindus will live in this country with dignity, safety, and respect. When I say that Hindus will be treated with honour, I am not speaking symbolically. I am talking about concrete guarantees of security, justice, and equal citizenship under the law."
Khulna-1 has witnessed changing political leadership over the years. Earlier elections saw multiple victories from Awami League leaders, including Noni Gopal Mondal and Panchanan Biswas. The constituency shifted again in 2026 as BNP regained ground and secured a strong electoral foothold.
Political analysts noted that past results reflected the constituency’s changing voter priorities and the broader national trends influencing Bangladesh’s political direction.
Nandi’s campaign gained attention because it unfolded during a period of rising concern over attacks on minorities. Several violent incidents targeting Hindus sparked national debate about safety and equal rights. Authorities, including interim leadership under Muhammad Yunus, condemned the violence and promised strict action against perpetrators.
Nandi positioned his candidacy as a sign of coexistence and political inclusion. He argued that his campaign challenged common narratives around minority participation and aimed to reassure communities about their future in Bangladesh.
Despite his defeat, the Khulna-1 contest became one of the most closely watched races of the 2026 election, highlighting questions around minority representation, political change, and the evolving dynamics of Bangladesh’s democracy.
