Kishoreganj Sadar BNP leader Masud Hilali, who lost the 2001 and 1996 polls to Awami League stalwart and martyred national leader Syed Nazrul Islam's son Syed Ashraful Islam, staged a big showdown in the town on Sunday to prove his strength and public support.

On November 10, he told a press conference that he would resist if the alliance nominates any person other than him from Kishoreganj-3 constituency in the coming election. The constituency comprises Kishoreganj Municipality and 11 unions.

Hilali ran in the polls race in Kishoreganj-3 constituency thrice but won only in the February 15 controversial polls in 1996.

Kishoreganj-3 is important in the district for political parties because being the district headquarter, it has considerable influence in voting in remaining six parliamentary seats.

The intra-party feud in Kishoreganj continues for long in absence of a full fledged district committee for over 12 years, party sources said. For two years, it is run by a two-member committee headed by former education minister Dr. Osman Faruq as president and Waliullah Rabbani as secretary. A full fledged district committee could not be formed due to intra-party feud, they said.

The feud intensified further recently with joining of former judge Rejaul Karim Khan Chunnu to the party. Rejaul Karim is known to be loyal to Osman Faruq. His joining the party and a rumour about getting nomination from Kishoreganj-3 has further angered groups opposed to Osman Faruq, party sources said.

At the November 10 press conference, Hilali said he will not accept any body except him to contest from the constituency. He also accused Osman Faruq of failing to form a full fledged committee and for creating division in the party.

"Rejaul Karim, blessed by a former minister, has suddenly appeared as a well wisher of BNP and is campaigning. People know them and will resist them", Hilali said.

Former BNP lawmaker Ataur Rahman Khan is also campaigning, holding rallies and party workers' meetings in different areas.

On contact, Khan said he showed patience in last three elections by remaining silent. He said he would seek nomination this time. "I will decide whether I will continue in politics or not".

District BNP secretary Waliullah Rabbani is also camping, hoping alliance ticket. Party sources however said he would not be able to draw a large number of party men.

Factions loyal to Osman and Rabbani are also holding programs.

In 2001 election, the BNP-led alliance won two seats out of seven in the district. Senior BNP leaders are doubtful about retaining the victory in the coming election is the inter-party feud persists.