A three-way contest is unfolding in the Jessore-5 (Monirampur) constituency ahead of the upcoming parliamentary election, with the main competition expected between BNP’s expelled rebel candidate Shahid Md. Iqbal Hossain and Jamaat-e-Islami’s Gazi Enamul Haque. The BNP-led alliance’s official nominee, former Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam leader Rashid Ahmad, is reportedly trailing behind. Iqbal Hossain was initially nominated by the BNP but was later expelled after refusing to withdraw his candidacy when the seat was allocated to Jamiat as part of a joint anti-fascist movement arrangement.

Local reports indicate that most BNP activists in Monirampur are campaigning for Iqbal Hossain, while only a few support the official BNP symbol candidate. The constituency has about 375,000 voters, including roughly 100,000 religious minorities, many of whom are said to back Iqbal. His long-standing local presence and previous tenure as three-time mayor have strengthened his influence. Jamaat’s campaign, however, remains active, particularly among women voters.

Iqbal Hossain expressed full confidence in his victory, while Jamaat’s campaign committee stated they are on the path to success, identifying Iqbal as their main rival.