With only a couple of days left for the by-election of Magura-1 constituency, the campaign is yet to pick up due to the lack of interest of the voters.
Four candidates are contesting in the election scheduled for May 30. Among them ruling Awami League’s candidate ATM Abdul Wahab is running a low-key campaign while three other candidates – independent Tapon Kumar Roy, NPP’s Tohidul Alam and BNF’s Mushtashim Billah – were not seen doing any campaign at all.
Voters said they were not much bothered since the result was predictable with no candidates of the BNP contesting in the election.
Khan Moniruzzaman, a voter and an NGO worker, said he was not enthusiastic about the election. “In the past, we have had a bitter experience and we are expecting the same mindless vote rigging this time too.”
Meanwhile, independent candidate Tapon Kumar Roy brought allegation of hindrances to his campaign.
He alleged that the ruling party men vandalised the vehicle which was being used in the campaign. He was also pressured to withdraw his candidacy.
“I will boycott the election unless congenial atmosphere is created to hold a free and fair election,” he added.
When contacted, APS to the prime minister, Saifuzaman Shekhor said the by-election would undoubtedly be free and fair.
Magura Superintendent of Police AKM Ehsanullah said the image of Magura was tainted by a farcical election in 1994. “This soil will be freed from the stigma with this election on May 30.”
Deputy Commissioner of Magura Md Mahabubur Rahman said: “We are determined to hold a fair and free election. Voting is the democratic right of a citizen and we are pledge-bound to protect that right.”
The Magura-1 seat of the Jatiya Sangsad fell vacant at the demise of ruling Awami League lawmaker Sirajul Akbar due to heart ailments on March 9.
