‘We are free now, we are Bangladeshi’

Abul Kashem Moulvi, a resident of former exclave Lotamari under Srirampur union parishad in Lalmonirhat, said: “The stigma of being a subservient ended on October 31 last year. And this October 31, we are going to cast votes as residents of Bangladesh. This is a unique feeling; I cannot explain you how it is. “Now, we are residents of Bangladesh, but we were Banglee when we did not have any national identities. We had to struggle a lot to get the identity.” Nazrul Islam, a resident of Bashkata under Jongra union parishad, said: “I am very excited, as I am going to exercise my franchise for the first time. Now, I have an identity as a citizen of Bangladesh and casting vote in the election will strengthen it.” Like Kashem and Nazrul, residents of the former exclaves are very happy, as they have already been recognised as residents of Bangladesh and will be able to cast votes. Patgram upzila Nirbahi Officer Nur Kutubul Alam said: “All types of preparations have been taken so that residents of former exclaves can cast their votes in a hassle-free manner. “Adequate numbers of law enforcement agencies have been deployed in the areas, where the elections are going to be held. I am hopeful that residents of the former exclaves will be able to cast their votes in a peaceful manner.” Deputy Commissioner of Lalmonirhat Abul Fayez Uddin Khan said: “The election will be held in a free, fair and peaceful manner. Hopefully, no untoward incident will take place during the election.” According to Lalmonirhat Election Office, a total of 28 candidates are vying for chairman posts, 89 for member posts (reserved) and 227 for member posts. A total of 136,144 voters are likely to cast their votes.