Madaripur Correspondent
The election campaigning for 13 unions under Shibchar upazila of Madaripur district is continuing with festivity as the ruling Awami League has opened the candidacy for all.
Although BNP is not participating in the election, independent candidates supported by BNP, Jaker Party and Islami Andolon are participating in the vote campaigning in the full swing.
With the Chairmen candidates, the members and reserved women seat member candidates are also in the election fray. Both the candidates and the voters of the unions are very happy with the election festivity.
Local administration with the help of four magistrates was also active to ensure that the codes of conduct of the elections are being maintained properly. Police is conducting block raids to maintain law and order.
According to sources the date of first phase of election of the Union Parishad was supposed to be held on April-11. Due to spread of Corona virus infection, the date has been shifted to June-21. A total of 73 candidates for 13 Chairmen posts, 410 candidates for member posts and 115 candidates for reserved women member posts are contesting in the Shibchar Union Parishad elections. Recently, an extended meeting of upazila Awami League was held in presence of local MP Chief Whip Nur-e-Alam Chowdhury where decision was taken to keep open the candidacy from Awami League in the elections. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also approved the decision.
As a result, a festive mood has been prevailing throughout the upazila. The candidates are visiting house to house with hundreds of pledges. In every union, there are more than one candidates are vying for the Chairman post. BNP candidates are also campaigning as the independent candidates.
Motahar Hossain, Joint Convener of BNP of Ditiyakhanda union is participating in the election with the symbol 'Telephone' while nine candidates from ISA are contesting with the symbol' Hand Fan' and three candidates of Jaker Party are participating with symbol 'Rose'. All roadside, walls, market places and houses have been shrouded with the posters and banners. Police and mobile court teams have so far fined Taka 200,000 as fine from 15 candidates for violating election code of conducts and seized more than 50 motor bikes for violating election rules.
Moniruzzaman, a voter of Motherchar area informed most of the voters of the upazila support Awami League and election campaign is being held in a festive mood. Candidates are visiting door to door seeking votes, with various pledges to be fulfilled, if elected.
Jalil Mia of Bashkandi area informed such an enthusiasm with the vote is unprecedented. Every candidate was trying to win the hearts of the voters through their behaviour and pledges.
Member candidate Sanjit Saha said there having no particular candidate from Awami League, now all candidates are busy in electioneering. A festival for vote is being observed throughout the upazila.
BNP candidate Motahar Hossain Howlader said he is not participating in the election in party ticket but as an independent candidate.
AL leader BM Jahangir Bepari is also contesting for the Post of Chairman of Kadipur union. He said, an amicable and peaceful environment has been created centering the election. Upazila Nirbahi Officer Asaduzzaman said, the environment of election is satisfactory. Regular police and mobile court operations are continuing to ensure that the election code of conduct is being maintained properly.
Police Super Golam Mostafa Russel said regular block raids are continuing to ensure a free and fair election.
Deputy Commissioner of Madaripur Dr. Rahima Khatun informed an unprecedented security measures have been taken to make the election a model in the country. 20 magistrates will be deployed on the day of elections and a four tired security system will be formed on the day, she mentioned.
Chief Whip Nur-e-Alam Chowdhury thanked and expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for making the party candidacy open. He also thanked all for participating the elections in a festive and peaceful environment.
