Selim Osman, the Jatiya Party candidate for the Narayanganj 5 by-election, seemed to be laid-back about his election yesterday with no hustle and bustle unlike others.
His family members said Selim is basically a businessman, not a politician. He stood in the election only to hold on to the family tradition.
Selim Osman started his day with visiting his family graveyard after which he went to three poling centers – Biby Mariam Girls High School, Narayanganj Club and Morgan Girls High School by 8:45am.
After visiting those centers Selim went back to his house and talked to the Dhaka Tribune.
When asked about low voter turnout he attributed the reason to rainy weather. “Moreover, the rickshaw fare is also high today.”
Selim Osman could not vote in this by-election as he is not a voter. “I am not a voter in this constituency.”
After talking to this reporter he spent his time in his house until 12 noon. Selim came out of his house at the request of reporters of a number of television channels and went to visit Morgan Girls’ High School.
After a short stay there he returned to his home.
At 1:37pm he again went to Lakkhi Narayan Government Girls Primary School at the request of a TV channel and came back home just after 25 minutes at 2.05 pm.
As this reporter met him again he said: “As the weather is now OK I expect more voters will come to the centers by 3pm.”
When asked about the low turnout of female voters he said: “All of you know the district has acute gas crisis. so I think female voters will come after 3pm.”
While talking he expressed his firm belief that he would win the race. “If I fail I will accept it but if I am elected then I will turn our Narayanganj into the Dandy of East again.”
His main opponent SM Akram, an independent candidate, brought the allegation of rigging and take-over of many polling centers
Selim Osman, however, denied the charges saying that the election this time was in progress in a peaceful manner.
“I think he said so as I have more supporters and activists than he has,” he said adding that members of law enforcement agencies were performing their duties sincerely.
The by-election to Narayanganj 4 constituency was announced as the seat fell vacant following the death of Nasim Osman, elder brother of Selim Osman.