BNP-led alliance faces tough challenge in Sylhet division

BNP is in the face of serious challenge in Sylhet region this time. They are in trouble in most of the seats, which they bagged in the 2001 while the AL led alliance is trying to get back those they lost in the last elections.
Jamaat-e-Islami is adamant to retain their old one out of 19 seats in the division while the JP is on hard fight to retain existence in the region.
Out of 19 constituencies in Sylhet division, Jamaat has been given 2 seats by the 4-party alliance. Although JP got 3 seats from the grand alliance, the AL men did not quit race except in one seat in Sylhet division. However, many people apprehend, this time JP may not be able to retain their position under the AL umbrella.
The AL got 7 seats in 1991 polls, 14 in 1996 while the figure went down to 7 in 2001.
In 1991, BNP got only one in the division. Saifur Rahman lost in both seats he contested in Moulvibazar that time. Although BNP fielded 19 candidates that time, they were on third positions in 4 seats.
Although BNP was in power, they failed to have a good result after 5 years. AL got 9 while JP had 8 and IOJ managed one in the 1991 polls. In the June 15, 1996 elections, BNP got only 3 seats including 2 by Saifur Rahman. AL managed 13 while JP got 3 seats.
The BNP led alliance advanced much bagging 10 out of 19 in 2001 in the division, which was once a stronghold of AL. Of them, 9 were of BNP while Jamaat got one. AL got 7 and JP had none.
With the death of AL stalwarts Abdus Samad Azad and SAMS Kibria, the seats went to BNP led alliance in the by election putting their figure to 14 in the division till their end in late 2001. However, BNP failed to get any of the 4 seats in Habiganj district in 2001.
The 4-party alliance is trying their best to retain the old seats, as half of them may be lost, it is widely apprehended. The alliance has fielded 9 of the 10 winners of 2001. Besides 5 among the 6 others, who were close to victory in 2001 polls has been fielded again.