In line with the yesterday’s by poll in Narayanganj 5 constituency that fell vacant following the death of lawmaker Nasim Osman, many voters made a demand for introduction of “No” vote to the election to pour out their thoughts about the poll contenders.
A great many of them that cast their ballots in polling centres under this constituency shared their views with the Dhaka Tribune.
Aslam Khan, exercising his franchise in Narsayanganj Club polling centre said if the government arranged “No” vote for this constituency, people would express their grudge against the candidates.
Asked why he thought so, Aslam said: “Many do not support these two contestants –- Selim Osman, a member of Osman family, and SM Akram, an independent candidate.”
About Akram, he said though the contestant was an educated person he hardly frequented the constituency, rather always lived in Dhaka.
In tune with Aslam, another voter Kalu Mia, a trader in front of Shaheed Minar in Chasara area, said: “If we need help of our lawmaker should we go to Dhaka regularly with our problems?
“He was a lawmaker back in 1996, but we saw him make no efforts at development in Narayanganj during his tenure.”
A lot of voters ceased to exercise their franchise yesterday, with many saying they found no worthy candidate to vote for.
Requesting anonymity, a renowned schoolteacher in the area expressed deep concern about the poll result and the candidates vying for the by-poll.
The teacher who refrained from casting his ballot said: “Who dares to go against the Osman family? If I talk against the family, then tomorrow my family will be at risk. This type of picture in Narayanganj needs to be changed.”
He suggested that there were many suitable candidates to carry out the job of a lawmaker and the political parties should pick up those potentials replacing the ineligible, old ones.
The Dhaka Tribune observation found a soaring demand for introduction of “No” vote to the election.
Mohammad Ali Hossain Jakaria, a multinational company employee, said if there had been such an option for voters to give vent to their feelings, the contestants could see how many votes they got in their favour.
Jakaria did not go to vote yesterday and so did Umme kawsara, a voter under Narayanganj Government Women’s College. “Who shall I vote for, tell me, who?” she posed a question. “All candidates are corrupt, and so better enjoy weekend than go to vote,” she added.
