A fierce contest has emerged in the Habiganj-1 (Nabiganj and Bahubal) constituency ahead of the upcoming parliamentary election, following the withdrawal of Jamaat-e-Islami’s candidate Shahjahan Ali on January 20 for alliance reasons. The race now centers on BNP’s official nominee Dr. Reza Kibria and the party’s expelled rebel candidate Sheikh Sujat Mia. Other contenders include Maulana Sirajul Islam of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, Badruddoza of Islami Front, and Kazi Tofayel Ahmed of JASAD, though they are considered less influential locally.

Dr. Kibria, son of former finance minister Shah AMS Kibria, is expected to benefit from his father’s strong local reputation. His wife, Simi Kibria, has been actively campaigning, drawing attention in the constituency. Meanwhile, Sheikh Sujat, a long-time BNP leader, has leveraged his local popularity and social media presence to appeal to voters despite being expelled from the party. Observers believe Jamaat’s withdrawal may have strengthened Sujat’s position by dividing Islamist support.

Local BNP activists are campaigning intensively for Dr. Kibria, while Sujat’s independent push continues to gain traction, setting the stage for a close electoral battle.