Reza Mahmud and Abu Jakir :
In the backdrop of the first phase of the 6th Upazila Parishad elections in 139 Upazilas, the country braces itself for a political showdown as the ruling Awami League (AL) and its arch-rival Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) adopt contrasting strategies.
While the AL aims to ensure a satisfactory voter turnout, the BNP intensifies its campaign against the polls, distributing leaflets to discourage voters from participating.
According to the Election Commission (EC), polling will commence at 8 a.m. and continue until 4 p.m., with a total of 1,635 candidates vying for various positions. Among them, 570 contend for the chairman’s post, 625 for vice chairman, and 440 for female vice chairman.
The Awami League, cognizant of the tepid voter turnout during the January 7 general elections, attributed partly to the BNP’s boycott, is determined to rally voters for the local government polls. AL leaders assert their commitment to ensuring free, fair, and competitive elections, dismissing BNP’s efforts to derail the process.
AL General Secretary Obaidul Quader condemned the BNP’s leaflet distribution, accusing the opposition of attempting to tarnish the electoral process’s credibility. He emphasised the AL’s dedication to upholding democratic norms and urged voters not to succumb to the BNP’s propaganda.
Similarly, AL Joint General Secretary AFM Bahauddin Nasim expressed optimism about the upcoming elections, assuring that they would be conducted in a non-partisan and transparent manner, fostering inclusivity and competition.
Conversely, BNP vehemently opposed the elections, labelling them “sham, farcical, and fraudulent.” Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi implored voters to boycott the polls, citing concerns over the government’s alleged manipulation and suppression of democratic rights.
Rizvi drew parallels with the contentious national election of January 7, decrying what he perceives as a systemic erosion of democratic values under the incumbent regime. He accused the authorities of bias and corruption, asserting that fair elections are unattainable under the AL government.
Despite the BNP’s steadfast stance against participation, the EC remains committed to overseeing the electoral process and ensuring transparency and integrity.
As the nation awaits the outcome of the first phase, the political landscape remains polarised, with both parties entrenched in their respective positions.
Besides, in several upazillas, including Hatia, Munshiganj Sadar, Bagerhat Sadar, Parshuram, and Shibchar, candidates have secured victory unopposed, rendering polling unnecessary in these areas. Additionally, the EC has suspended voting in three upazilas situated in the hill district of Bandarban.
To uphold the integrity of the electoral process, stringent security measures have been implemented. Seventeen law enforcement personnel will be stationed at each general centre, with 18–19 personnel assigned to important centers.