Political observers and voters are of the opinion that electoral contest between Awami League-led 14-Party-backed candidate AHM Khairuzzaman Liton and BNP-led 18-Party alliance-backed Mosaddeque Hossain Bulbul in the Rajshahi City Corporation elections would be stiff.
Tension is palpable on both candidates with barely a few hours left for the Saturday’s poll. In public though both candidates on Friday tried to put up a brave face and said they were confidence of their respective victory.
A total of 287,917 voters – 143,395 males and 143,522 females – are expected to exercise their adult franchise in 137 polling stations on Saturday amidst tight security.
In the last 2008 city elections, the number of voters was 258,759. This time, it has increased by 28,158 – most of whom are young population, who observers say could be a decisive factor.
There are also some 15,000 slum voters who could also tilt the result either way, election agents of the candidates say.
Rajshahi University Department of Political Science Professor Mohammad Ruhul Amin said this year would witness a stiff contest between the two major rivals.
“Some 30,000 young voters, floating population who are in the city for jobs and slum voters will be the important factors,” the professor observed.
The gas connections provided to the residents just a few days ahead of poll might influence voters to a certain extent, he said.
However, his colleague from the same department, Professor Mohammad Abul Kashem said “It will not be a stiff fight though the winning margin will be small.”
“It is positive that both candidates co-existed peacefully so far,” Kashem said. “This is good for overall politics. If this peaceful atmosphere continues on the day of polling and even afterwards, people will benefit from it.”
Rajshahi Rakkhya Sangram Parishad General Secretary Jamat Khan told bdnews24.com that elections were taking place under political banner though “they were supposed to be neutral”.
“I believe, whatever the result is, the margin will not be big. People are conscious. They will vote considering all factors,” he said.
In the 2008 elections, Liton defeated Bulbul by 23,810 votes.
Liton’s election management committee Convenor and local MP Fazle Hossain Badshah hoped people will vote for his candidate. “They will evaluate the development works done during his tenure as against the previous other Mayors.”
“Young voters and women will ensure the victory for Liton.”
Shafiqur Rahman, member of Liton’s election management committee, said Liton has an edge because “Hifazat supporters were campaigning for Bulbul”.
“Liton is the prime leader of Awami League in Rajshahi. But Bulbul’s stature in his party is not that big. Voters will also consider this.”
On the other hand, Bulbul’s prime election agent Tofazzal Hossain Tapu told bdnews24.com that “people were fed-up of the misrule of the former Mayor. People will vote for Bulbul, youths will vote for him.”
Regarding the affiliation with Hifazat-e Islam, Tapu said, “They are not political activists. Imams are members of this outfit. Some are also Islami Oikkajote members, they are supporting Bulbul. We are blessed for their support.”
Another top leader campaigning for Bulbul on the condition of anonymity told bdnews24.com that all Hifazat and Jamaat-Shibir votes would be bagged by Bulbul as there was no Jamaat-e-Islami candidate in the fray.
“Though these people are silent fearing crackdown from authorities, they will definitely have their say in polls. And, no one can attain power by killing Huzurs.”
In 2008 national elections, Awami League-backed Fazle Hossain Badshah beat BNP-backed candidate Mizanur Rahman Minu by 13.01 percent margin in the Rajshahi Sadr constituency (Rajshahi City Corporation encloses the same area).
Meanwhile, Returning Officer Suvash Chandra Sarker told bdnews24.com that he was satisfied with the existing law and order arrangements. Five platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) were on streets along with other strike forces.
“Hope the elections will pass off well,” he said.
All campaigns were officially stopped from Thursday midnight.
Three candidates – Awami League central committee member and metropolitan unit General Secretary Liton (poll-sign ‘lock’), BNP central committee member and metropolitan Juba Dal Convenor Bulbul (poll-sign ‘pineapple’), and independent candidate Habibur Rahman (poll-sign ‘spectacles’) – are competing for the coveted post of Mayor. 155 candidates are competing for the general Ward Councillors posts and 66 for the posts of reserved Councillors.
Earlier in 2001 elections, Minu defeated Badshah by a 26.95 percent margin.
Until 2008, Rajshahi Sadr area included Paba Thana.
Source: Bd news24
