But AL prospect in the area is shadowed by the legacy of rivalry between party stalwarts Sunarnjit Sengupta and late Abdus Samad Azad.

Manik was jailed for 10 years by Sylhet Divisional Speedy Trial Tribunal in October last year. The High Court acquitted him on August 13 this year.

There had been allegations that the bombs were being made to attack a procession of his rival faction in the party at Chhatak upazila headquarters.

Manik is a trusted follower of AL stalwart Suranjit Sengupta, whose rivalry with party stalwart Abdus Samad Azad is well known.

The rivalry between their followers continues even after the death of Abdus Samad.

Manik was given a grand reception on return to the hometown recently. Some AL central leaders including Presidium member Abdur Razzaque attended it.

Milon, general secretary of Sunamganj district BNP, who defeated Manik in 2001 election with a margin of 45,000 votes, is almost sure to get the 4-party alliance ticket this time, his close aides claimed.

This became clear during BNP chief Khaleda Zia's recent visit to Chhatak.

Some other aspirants for the 4-party alliance ticket have also started campaign. They include Moulana Shafiquddin, central joint secretary of Khelafat Majlish, a partner in Islami Iokya Jute (IOJ), former central vice-president of BNP's student front Jayiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) Mizanur Rahman Chowdhury and Engineer Munsil Ali.

Sporadic clashes between supporters Munsif and Milon took place in last two days in different areas of Chhatak and Doarabazar upazilas over removing posters of Munsif Ali. Six people were injured at Alampur in Dolarbazar yesterday on Tuesday.

On the other hand, Munsif Ali's aides claimed that he is campaigning after getting green signal from party high-ups.

Though Manik's candidature is almost certain, he has also potential rivals for ticket, his close aides said.

They include Chhatak Pourashava Chairman Kalam Chowdhury and Dr Haris Ali, both known as followers Samad Azad, AL sources said.

An expatriate barrister, M Yahia, who ran third as an independent candidate in last two elections, is also trying for AL ticket, his close aides said.

AL aspirants feel, if Manik faces any legal trouble, there may be a fresh choice by the AL-led alliance.

On the other hand, former Jatiya Party (Ershad) lawmaker advocate Abdul Majid known as Majid Master is also in the field. He is hopeful of getting ticket, whether JP joins any alliance or not. Political observers said he will not be a factor for the two alliances if JP remains alone.