Dhaka, Feb. 8 -- For decades, Jamalpur's five parliamentary constituencies have epitomised Bangladesh's electoral tug-of-war between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Awami League.

Since 1991, the district has oscillated between the two, often by narrow margins. This year, however, the Awami League is absent with activists largely inactive or in retreat, leaving the BNP with a near-complete grip on the field.

Into this vacuum steps the Jamaat-e-Islami, emerging as a serious challenger. In at least one constituency, its campaign has become conspicuously vigorous, prompting local observers to anticipate tightly contested races.

As polling day nears, energy and anticipation are rising among supporters.

Since Jamalpur became a di...