Warnings fall on deaf ears

Despite repeated warnings against public gatherings, which can hasten the spread of coronavirus, mayoral candidates for Chattogram City Corporation polls continue to hold rallies and meetings in port city.

Even Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda hinted on Tuesday that the Election Commission will decide within a day or two if the CCC election, slated to be held on March 29, is to be postponed over the possible spread of the virus.

"We will consider postponement of elections if the [coronavirus] situation goes out of control. But for now, we want the polls to be held on time," the CEC said after attending an event at the EC office in the capital's Agargaon.

The CEC even said that the candidates told the commission that they would "campaign carefully".

But "campaigning carefully" seems to be the least of their concerns.

Even though BNP recently launched a web portal to conduct online campaigning in light of the present situation, the party activists and supporters are also electioneering in various wards -- enthusiastically hugging people and shaking their hands.

Awami League, on the other hand, has been encouraging people to "wash their hands with soap and vote for boat".

Asked about the probable risk of getting infected, the party candidate even said there is no risk as every voter will have to wash their hands before casting vote in EVM.

Meanwhile like previous days, AL and BNP mayor candidates campaigned in full swing yesterday.

BNP's Shahadat Hossain campaigned in FIDC Road, Char Rangamatia, Kamal Bazar, Kazir Hat and Moulvibazar areas under Mohora ward.

A good number of leaders and activists of BNP and its associate organisations were with him at that time.

Urging voters to vote for "sheaf of paddy", BNP's election symbol, he said, "People are panicked as coronavirus has spread throughout the world. If voters do not come to the polling centres, will the election get any credibility in home and abroad?"

The Election Commission should defer the polls date, he said.

Meanwhile, AL candidate Rezaul Karim Chowdhury campaigned in East Madarbari, Alakaran and Firingibazar areas.

Seeking vote for the party symbol "boat", Rezaul pledged a clean and modern city, if elected mayor. Flanked by party activists and supporters, he was also seen greeting people unperturbed.