For the first time, Awami League-nominated candidates and independent candidates from the party shared the rally stage at the official launch of the Awami League election campaign in Sylhet.
At least seven independent candidates were seen at Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina's election rally at the Alia Madrasa ground in Sylhet on Wednesday. Sylhet District Awami League Joint Secretary Jaglu Chowdhury confirmed the information to Dhaka Tribune.
Among the independent candidates, Barrister Sayedul Haque Sumon of Habiganj-4 (Madhavpur-Chunarughat), Moazzem Hossain Ratan of Sunamganj-1, Joya Sengupta of Sunamganj-2, Abdul Mazid Khan of Habiganj-2, Shamim Ahmed Chowdhury of Sunamganj-5, and Keya Chowdhury of Habiganj-1 were present on the rally stage alongside the party-nominated candidates. However, the independent candidates did not get the opportunity to speak at the rally.
Regarding the independent candidates, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader said that the Prime Minister has asked independents to be candidates to make the election competitive.
Advising independent candidates not to get involved in disputes with boat candidates, he said: “The independent will remain independent, and the boat will remain a boat. No one has anything to lose. The boat has its own power. Who is afraid?”
Addressing party MPs, he said: “If you lose your popularity in the area, then what do we have to do if independents take that space?”
“There is no BNP. Even if they are participating in the polls, there are 1,896 candidates in the election race. The BNP has fled. They are burning themselves to death in the fire that they are playing with,” said Quader.
While talking to Dhaka Tribune, Awami League leaders echoed Obaidul Quader and said independent candidates are also leaders of the party.
“Somehow, they did not get party nominations, but that doesn’t mean that they are not with our party,” one leader said.
Despite the BNP and like-minded parties having boycotted the election, a total of 1,896 candidates are contesting the 12th parliamentary election.
Political analysts say the main contest in this election will likely be between Awami League candidates and the party’s independent candidates in a good number of constituencies.
The Awami League’s independent candidates are in the electoral race with the Eagle, Truck, and some other symbols, while the party nominated candidates will use the traditional Boat symbol.
