A different picture in Barishal-3
When people of the country are observing same picture of election campaign dominated by the ruling Awami League (AL) men, voters in Barishal-3 constituency (Babuganj and Muladi upazilas) are at the same time witnessing an opposite scenario.
As campaign for the December 30 general elections reaches the final stage, most of the local AL men are seen electioneering for independent candidate Atikur Rahman, instead of grand-alliance nominated Workers Party (WP) candidate and incumbent Lawmaker Advocate Tipu Sultan.
During a visit to the constituency this correspondent saw local AL activists are holding meetings in favour of independent candidate Atikur, former central committee vice president of Jubo Moitri, youth wing of WP, almost everyday.
Atikur, a fresh candidate for the MP post, is contesting the polls with 'truck' symbol, while district unit WP President Advocate Tipu Sultan, who was elected uncontested in the 2014 polls, is contesting with the symbol 'boat.'
Two other major candidates from the constituency are former Jatiya Party (JP) lawmaker Golam Kibria Tipu with 'plough' symbol and BNP-backed candidate Barrister Joynal Abedin with the symbol 'sheaf of paddy.'
Alongside others, Khalid Hossain Swapan and Tarikul Hasan Mithu, president of Babuganj and Muladi upazila unit AL respectively, are seen openly engaged in electioneering for Atikur.
After Tipu Sultan failed to do any development work as a lawmaker, local people asked him [Atikur] to contest the election, Atikur claimed.
Mentionable, Atikur's father Bazlur Rahman, a senior leader of WP, and brother recently joined AL.
Due to their recent move, the equation of the election has rapidly changed as AL and its front organisation activists are now openly campaigning in favour of Atik.
Advocate Tipu Sultan said the partners of the alliance should follow the decision of their party high-ups as he is the only nominee from grand alliance.
Rahmat Ali, a voter in Muladi upazila, said locals have been demanding construction of bridge on Arial Khan river for connecting the upazila directly with the district and divisional headquarters.
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