In Cumilla-4 constituency, the Election Commission declared BNP candidate Engineer Manjurul Ahsan Munshi’s nomination invalid on loan default charges, a decision later upheld by the High Court. The ruling has caused frustration among BNP supporters, who lament being unable to vote for their traditional symbol after many years. The once politically vibrant Debidwar area, known as a BNP stronghold, has grown unusually quiet as the election nears.

With Munshi’s disqualification, the contest has effectively lost its competitiveness. The Jamaat–NCP alliance candidate, Hasnat Abdullah, who serves as the chief organizer for NCP’s southern region, is now widely viewed as the likely winner. Local BNP leaders argue that the cancellation not only removed their candidate but also deprived voters of their right to choose the BNP symbol. Debidwar BNP convener Giyas Uddin said Munshi has appealed to the chamber court, expressing confidence that the decision could still be overturned.

If the appeal fails, the election in Cumilla-4 is expected to proceed with minimal opposition, marking a significant shift in a constituency long dominated by the BNP.