Photo of Plough funeral in Rangpur goes viral on social media

The Jatiya Party (JPA) has been limited to a vacant seat in the 13th National Parliament election in Rangpur, which has created mixed reactions among party supporters and the general public. Despite completing four decades, the candidates with the plough symbol could not win 196 seats across the country this time. Rangpur, which has long been known as the stronghold of JPA, could not win a single seat there.

A photo quickly went viral on social media as a reflection of this electoral defeat. In the photo, a plough is seen being placed on the ground of Rangpur as a symbol of the plough and its “funeral” is being performed. Sharing the photo, netizens wrote, “The official prayer-e-janaza of the plough has been completed on the ground of Rangpur.” This symbolic photo has become the center of discussion on social media and is being seen as a satirical reflection of the election defeat.

According to unofficial results, JPA Chairman GM Quader came third in Rangpur-3 constituency. Similarly, the party's Secretary General Barrister Shamim Haider Patwari secured third place in Gaibandha-1 constituency. This makes it clear that the party's traditional vote bank in Rangpur has not been fruitful this time. Despite being the home of former President Hussain Muhammad Ershad, despite having a large vote bank in this constituency, the Ploughmen candidates have lost this time and the place has been taken by another strong opponent, Jamaat.

If we look at this symbolic picture and the results together, it is clear that the influence and support of the JPA in Rangpur is gradually narrowing, which has become a historic challenge for the party. Various comments are being made on social media about this, some sarcastically while others have raised questions about the party's position in future elections.