This was stated by BNP leader from the area Dr Shahidul Alam while talking to this correspondent yesterday. Alam, also a central vice-president of Bangladesh Medical Association (BMA), said he will seek alliance ticket to contest from there.

"BJP will not be a factor for BNP to win the seat as that party has virtually no organisation in the area", Alam said.

He however declined to make any comment in case the four-party alliance nominates a BJP or a Jatiya Party (Ershad) candidate for the JS seat. Ershad's JP has reportedly reached an understanding with the ruling BNP and may join the four-party alliance.

BJP central leader Kazi Alauddin was elected from Satkhira-4 in 2001 election by defeating Awami League candidate Dr Ruhul Haque with a big margin.

On contact, Alauddin said alliance leader Khaleda Zia will decide who would vie for the seat in next election.

"As I have done a lot of development work in the constituency, I deserve nomination to retain the seat", Alauddin said.

Jatiya Party's (Ershad) central vice-president and former MP Shahadat Hossain will also seek nomination from the constituency if his party joins the four- party alliance.

"Kazi Alauddin took the opportunity as I was not in the polls race in 2001", Shahadat said claiming his contribution to implementation of many development projects including road construction.

Political insiders said Shahidul Alam has a large number party followers in Kaligonj and Debhata upazilas, who want him to be nominated.

Shahidul has already started meeting BNP leaders and workers in Satkhira- 4 area to mobolise support to get nomination, they said.

On the other hand, a large section of BNP leaders and activists in Kaligonj and Debhata upazilas are opposing nomination of incumbent BJP lawmaker Kazi Alauddin.

Shahidul's supporters are holding meetings and doing mass contact through out the constituency. Hardly a day passes without any programme to mobilise public support for Shahidul, said Prof Khoda Bux, convenor of Kaligonj upazila BNP.

"There is no chance for BJP to win this seat (Satkhira-4) in next election", said a senior leader of Satkhira district BNP seeking anonymity.

Alauddin however told this correspondent that he hopes to get alliance nomination but declined to comment if things go otherwise.

"If I do not get nomination then I will take a decision on my next course of action after consulting party central leaders", he added.