Dhaka, Dec. 24 -- Mymensingh, one of Bangladesh's most seat-rich districts, is shaping up to be a paradox in the Feb 12 general election as it is overwhelmingly dominated by the BNP, yet riddled with internal rifts that could hand unexpected openings to rivals, particularly the Jamaat-e-Islami.

Of the district's 11 parliamentary seats, the BNP has announced candidates in 10, leaving one vacant to avoid further infighting. In six constituencies, BNP nominees face little internal resistance. In the remaining four, unresolved factional disputes have created the risk of BNP-backed independents cutting into the party's own vote.

With the Awami League barred from active politics and the Jatiya Party largely absent, the contest has narrowed in...