The BNP-nominated mayoral candidates of Chittagong have expressed their doubt over holding the municipal polls in a peaceful atmosphere since a number of assault incidents took place in the last couple of days.
Former minister and adviser to the BNP chairperson Mir Mohammed Nasir Uddin came under attack allegedly by the ruling party men during an electoral campaign at Rangunia municipality on December 26.
According to Chittagong Regional Election Office, 209 presiding officers, 1,243 assistant presiding officers, 2,468 polling officers have been appointed for the holding the upcoming polls in 15 municipalities in Chittagong region. This time, 407,215 people will cast their votes in 209 polling centres.
Talking about the overall preparation for holding the polls, Khorshed Alam, Chittagong district election officer, said: “We have undertaken all necessary measures to hold the polls in a free, fair and acceptable manner. The Election Commission has already distributed election related materials among respective returning officers. Apart from Rapid Action Battalion, the Border Guard Bangladesh and police, magistrates will be deployed to avoid untoward incident.”
Law enforcers said all polling centres of Baryarhat, Mirsarai, Raozan and Chandanaish municipalities in Chittagong district have been declared risky.
The law enforcing agencies, however, assured that regular police, Rapid Action Battalion, Ansar, Border Guard Bangladesh and an additional team of police personnel would be deployed to control the law and order situation.
BNP Vice-Chairman Abduallah Al Noman said: “A mass upsurge has been created in the country in favour of the BNP. The ruling party Awami League will have to concede political defeat if the forthcoming polls become a one-horse race.”
Mir Mohammad Nasir Uddin, BNP Chairperson’s advisor and convener of Chittagong district municipal polls monitoring cell, alleged that the BNP-nominated candidates and campaigners could not conduct electioneering in 10 municipalities in Chittagong in the face of obstruction created by the ruling party men.
“We will not leave the polling centres as long as the ballot boxes are there. We will not quit the race halfway through the elections and we will stay on polling day as long as the voters could cast their votes,” he said.
Denying the allegations of the BNP leaders, Moslem Uddin Ahmed, president of Chittagong south district Awami League, said the ruling party ensured a level-playing field ahead of the municipal polls.
MA Salam, secretary of Chittagong north district AL claimed that a festive atmosphere was created across the country on the occasion of the municipal polls.
According to the Chittagong Regional Election Office, a total of 55 mayoral candidates are contesting in 10 municipalities under Chittagong district and five municipalities under Chittagong Hill Tracts. Besides, 516 aspirants as general councillor and 125 aspirants in reserved seats for women are vying for the forthcoming polls.
