Encouraged by the results of recently held elections in four city corporations and nine pourasabhas, grass roots Awami League (AL) leaders and activists in Thakurgaon and Panchagarh districts are now enthusiastic about participating in the upazila elections, whenever held.
Although the central AL leadership is still opposing participation in the proposed upazila election, grass roots AL leaders in the two districts are trying to get party approval as candidate for upazila polls.
AL leaders of different upazilas in the two districts have started contacting field level party leaders and activists as part of preparations for both the upazila and national elections.
Awami League offices in the district towns and upazilas now see lively presence of leaders and activists who are found discussing upazila elections and possible candidates.
“The grass roots leaders and activists are enthused following the result of city corporation elections. They are confident of winning by the party candidate in upcoming elections,” said advocate Nurul Islam Shujan, Panchagarh district unit president of Awami League, also general secretary of Supreme Court Lawyers Association.
Shujan, however, said they want national election before other polls 'for the sake of democracy'.
“I am interested to contest the upazila election in Sadar seat if my party decides to participate in the upazila election declared by the government,” Sadek Quraishy, general secretary of Thakurgaon district unit of Awami League, said.
He, however, said, “National election should be held by December this year as per the roadmap. After holding the upazila elections, there will be too short time for holding national elections.”
During a recent visit to Haripur upazila in Thakurgaon district, this correspondent saw upazila Awami League President AKM Shamim Ferdous meeting party men in remote areas as part of preparation for the upazila election.
“I have made all out preparation to contest the coming upazila election if our party allows,” he said.
Tauhidul Islam, general secretary of Atwary upazila unit Awami League in Panchagarh, said, “We have started communicating with grass roots activists and we are very confident of winning in the upazila election if our party decides to participate.”
After allowing indoor politics, party leaders and activists have observed all the programmes declared by the AL central committee.
Awami League and its front organisations also separately held extended meetings of their district committees in the presence of central leaders.
The leaders and activists are highly confident of winning maximum seats in these districts if the party decides to participate in the upazila election.
On the other hand, activists of AL's major political opponent BNP, are yet to get enough motivation as their party leaders have remained virtually inactive even after the withdrawal of ban on indoor politics several weeks ago.
Traditionally the northern districts are regarded as stronghold of Awami League that have been enjoying support of pro-Liberation and progressive forces, minority communities and indigenous people.