N'ganj elections may go down to wire
A neck and neck fight is expected in Narayanganj Pourasabha elections to be held tomorrow, as BNP supporters have apparently got divided into two groups.
Although top leaders of the ruling party are trying to minimise the impact of the division, 'local politics' may affect the BNP vote bank.
According to sources, people of the town are divided on an 'area basis' ignoring party politics. The main railway track has divided the town into two parts and that may have a bearing on the election. There are about 127,000 voters in the municipal area.
Of them, nearly 55 per cent live in the southern part of the town. And the BNP activists of this area are reportedly working for the AL candidate, Dr Selina Hayat Ivy. On the other hand, BNP candidate Nurul Islam Sarder is relying on the voters of the northern part of the town.
The minority voters may play a vital role in the election. There are about 46,000 Hindu voters in the town. Dr Ivy might get the support of female voters. People from different walks of life commented that Dr Ivy had a very good chance of winning if the election is free and fair. But Dr Ivy, who was out of the country for a long time, does not have many active workers.
Most of the AL leaders and activists are out of the town since the last general elections. "Dr Ivy's chances would depend on casting of more votes," sources said.
BNP candidate Nurul Islam Sarder succeeded in winning over other candidates of his party, but could not stop the area-wise division of votes. His poll campaign was also affected by the anti-crime drive, as he was not in the town during the drive. He started campaigning after the withdrawal of the joint forces. Former Chairman Alhaz Murad Mia withdrew his candidature only two days back, which may help Nurul Islam Sarder. His chances will depend on whether he can successfully handle the internal grouping of the party.
No poll violence has so far been reported. But the listed criminals of the town are back, and they may play a role in the election.
The local administration has taken some security measures to prevent terrorist activities on the election day. A total of 1500 police and Ansar have been deployed on election duty. Five platoons of the BDR also reached the town on Tuesday.
AL candidate Dr Selina Hayat Ivy has alleged that terrorists are threatening the minority voters in some parts of the town. She demanded deployment of the army on the election day. On the other hand, BNP candidate Nurul Islam Sarder said he wanted a free and fair election.
Some listed terrorists have returned following the withdrawal of the army. And at least four of them are participating in the commissioner election. The people are scared about these candidates of four wards (3,4,5 and 6). The 'mastan' candidates even reportedly threatened the ruling party candidates.
Election of Narayanganj Pourasabha is taking place after 18 years. The last election was held in 1984. Since then legal barriers have prevented holding of election. The long awaited election has created great enthusiasm among the voters, but they are feeling uneasy with the participation of some known criminals in the election.
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