Two former Jamaat lawmakers, who are in jail now, will compete against each other from Chattogram-15 constituency in the upcoming national election.

Of them, ANM Shamshul Islam, the central nayeb-e-ameer, has Jamaat's nod while its central majlish-e-sura member, Shahjahan Chowdhury, may have to run as a rebel candidate, said local party leaders.

As Jamaat's registration as a political party has been scrapped, the party's nominees will contest the polls either as independents or under the BNP-led alliance.

Satkania upazila Jamaat President Abul Fayez told The Daily Star he did not know why Shahjahan had decided to run from the constituency, despite the party high-ups selecting Shamshul for it.

Contacted, Enamul Hoque, a close aide of Shahjahan, said Shahjahan had played a pioneering role in making the area a stronghold of Jamaat, so he deserved the party ticket.

“Shahjahan would contest here under the banner of Satkania-Lohagara Nagorik Committee if he fails to get the party ticket,” said Enamul, joint convener of the platform floated by Jamaat men.