KISHOREGANJ. June 5: Kishoreganj district consisting of seven constituencies Is now under the grip of election fever.

A total of 53 candidates are in the election race now. The four major political parties — Awami League, BNP. Jatiya Party and Jamaat-e-Islaml — have fielded their candidates in each constituency of the district. Besides, candidates of Gano Forum. Zaker Party, People's Party, Haque Kathar Mancha; Islami Shasantantra Andolan, Democratic Republican Party and independents are also contesting different constituencies.

With only a few days left, the contesting candidates and their supporters have vigorously launched door to door campaign in all the seven constituencies to win people's support for them. They are also holding rallies, gatherings, meetings, mikings and processions to draw the attention of electors.

Hats and bazars in the district wore a festive look as posters, leaflets and handbills carrying the pictures of the candidates and their symbols were displayed in every nook and corner of these places. The contesting candidates have also opened election camps in different parts of the district to launch hectic election campaign. The urban and rural areas of the district are now humming with election gossips. People are discussing the merits and demerits of the candidates in teastalls of different hats and bazars.

In 1991 election BNP bagged 5 seats while Awami League won the other two seats in Kishoreganj district.

In Kishoreganj ! (Hossaln-pur-Pakundia) eight candidates including a former Deputy Minister are contesting, in this constituency, there will be

duel fight between A K M Shamsul Haque (Awami League) and Advocate Sohra-buddin (Jatiya Party). ABM Zahidul Haque former deputy minister for shipping and a dissident of BNP Is contesting In this constituency as an independent candidate.

In Kishoreganj-2 (Katiadi). eight candidates are on the run. There will be triangular fight between Major (Retd) Akhtaruzaman (BNP). Mahm-ud.ul Islam Jhanu (Jatiya Party) and Habibur Rahman (independent).

In KlshoreganJ-3 (Kishoreganj sadar). eight candidates are in the fray. But triangular fight among Syed Ashraful Islam (Awami League). Masud Helall (BNP) and Naslruddin Shahjahan (Jatiya Party) is expected.

A total of six candidates are contesting in the Klshoreganj-4 (KarimganJ-Tarail) constituency where direct fight will be held between Dr Mizanui Haque (Awami League) and Majibul Haque Chunnu (Jatiya Party).

In Kishoreganj-5 (Itna-Austragram-Mitamoin) constituency. triangular fight between Advocate Abul Hamid (Awami League). Engineer Imdadul Haque (BNP) and Advocate Fazlur Rahman (independent) is expected.

There will be hard contest among three candidates out of 10 in Kishoreganj-6 (Nikli-Bajitpur) constituency. The candidates are Abdul Haque (Awami League). Mujibur Rahman Manju (BNP) and Advocate Nurul Islam (Jatiya Party).

Direct contest between Awami League general secretary Zillur Rahman and BNP candidate Giasuddin Ahamed Is expected in Klshoreganj-7 (Kuliachar-Bhairab) constituency out of the total six candidates.