There are a total of five constituencies in seven upazilas under the Jamalpur district. Among these constituencies, Awami League won four seats and Jatiya Party won one in the 10th parliamentary election.
Jamalpur 1's constituency is comprised of Dewanganj and Baksiganj upazila–home to 334,043 voters.
In the previous general election, veteran Awami League politician and Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee for the Planning Ministry, Abul Kalam Azad won this seat.
However, there is a strong possibility that in the next general polls ruling party Awami League, BNP, and Jatiya Party will lock horns in a tripartite battle for the seat.
Candidates of all three parties have already launched their election campaigns in the area, in the hopes of being nominated by their respective parties.
Incumbent lawmaker Abul Kalam Azad, Baksiganj unit Awami League President Nur Mohammad, and Barrister Sami Sattar, have begun electioneering to be nominated by Awami League.
Former lawmaker M Rashiduzzaman Millat, BNP Chairperson’s Adviser and ex-IGP Abdul Kaiyum, and Shahida Akter Rita, are vying for BNP’s nomination.
Meanwhile, former commerce minister Abdus Sattar is campaigning for Jatiya Party's nomination.
According to sources, Awami League aspirant Abul Kalam Azad is slightly ahead in the race for the nomination, due to the implementation of several bridge projects during his tenure as a lawmaker.
The other two hopefuls, Nur Mohammad and Sami Sattar, are also engaged in electioneering for a chance to be nominated by Awami League.
On the other hand, ex-IGP Abdul Kaiyum is making a serious effort to unify the BNP on the grassroots and district level, and has moved ahead in the race for the nomination.
According to local BNP leaders and activists, former lawmaker M Rashiduzzaman Millat is also seeking BNP’s nomination, but his lack of involvement in recent party activities has somewhat diminished his chances.
BNP leader and President of the District Female Chapter of the party, Shahida Akter Rita, lost the 2008 election by a small margin. Party sources said she will seek BNP's nomination in the next general polls.
A festive mood permeates the constituency, as streets and markets have been covered with colourful banners and festoons depicting various candidates.
The aspirants are busy trying to woo the voters with rallies, processions, and a vibrant public relations campaign.