Ahead of the 11th parliamentary election slated for December 30, candidates are campaigning to persuade voters to vote for them.
There are only six days left for the election, but in Dhaka 10 constituency, only the Awami League candidate,Barrister Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, can be seen campaigning on the field in full swing.
In Dhaka 10, there are six candidates contesting the election: Abdul Mannan from BNP with the symbol of "sheaf of paddy"; Abdul Awal from Islami Andolon Bangladesh with "handfan"; Bahrane Sultan Bahar from Progotishil Gonotantrik Dal with "tiger"; Helal Uddin from Jatiya Party with "plough" symbol; and Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh from Awami Leauge with "boat" symbol.
Abdul Awal can also be seen campaigning sometimes in this constituency. The rest of the candidates cannot be seen anywhere in public.
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s grandnephew, Sheikh Taposh, has been a lawmaker from Dhaka 10 for two consecutive terms.
Dhaka 10 consists of four police stations _ Dhanmondi, Kalabagan, New Market and Hazaribagh with six wards.
While visiting the areas,this correspondent has seen posters of the Awami League candidate abound, and very few of Islami Andolon Bangladesh. It is rare to find posters of BNP and other candidates in the area.
Lawmaker Sheikh Taposh told the Dhaka Tribune that every party has its own strategy regarding campaigning.
"We are campaigning in our own way, but we do not know why BNP and the other parties are not campaigning," he said.
"We do not even restrict any form of campaigning by imposing any barriers or obstructions from our side," he added.
Meanwhile, BNP Chairperson's Press Wing Member Shamsuddin Didar said: "How can we campaign when there is no level playing field in the election?"
"Everywhere, police with the support of the ruling party,are keeping us under pressure and are continuously oppressing us," he said.
BNP sources said its candidate for Dhaka 10,Abdul Mannan, will start his campaign from tomorrow,with a large showdown from the Dhaka City College premises around 3:30pm.
"About three to four thousand people will participate in the showdown," sources added.
Tarek Shikder, Awami League candidate Sheikh Taposh's media and public relation coordinator, said Awami League has been campaigning since December 10.
"We have already campaigned three times in every ward, and will continue to do so till December 27," he added.
Md Salam, a shopkeeper of Green Road area, said:"We want to see Taposh Bhai for another term and will vote for him. He is very close to us."
