The Awami League candidates face challenges in the union Parishad elections yet again due to corruption and political malpractice.
The Awami League candidates lost in the second and third rounds of Union Parishad elections to their oppositions Jatiya Partya and Independent (BNP) candidates. Following this, the Awami League candidates may lose in 21 unions of Bishwambharpur, Jagannathpur and Derai upazilas of the district again. The main contestants who look strong are the BNP leaders. They are contesting the elections as independent candidates.
Meanwhile, on November 5, 2019, Benazir Ahmed Manik was elected as the president and Md. Nurul Alam Siddiqui as the general secretary of the conference of Bishwambharpur Upazila Awami League. Although the two-member committee approved it for 15 days, it did not become a full committee in two years. Local leaders believe it to be a commercial committee.
It has been alleged that general secretary Mohammad Nurul Alam Polash is secretly opposing the chairman candidate and the president Benazir Ahmed Manik is opposing the party candidate in the election. Besides, the party leaders are desperate to make sure that Awami League does not succeed in all the upazilas of the district.
It is learned that out of 5 unions of Bishwambarpur upazila, the Awami League- nominated candidate has a strong chance in only Salukabad union. In Palash Union, two opposing candidates are trying to beat the party candidate. In Dhanpur, the Awami League- nominated candidate is under pressure of the opposition where the independent candidate and BNP leader stands strong.
Awami League nominee in Badaghat South Union Parishad elections is also under pressure of oppositions. Awami League candidate faced a similar fate in Fatehpur Union also under pressure of rebels. The competition seems tough between the Awami League candidates and the opposition Jatiya Party candidates. Meanwhile, among the seven unions of Jagannathpur upazila, the opposition candidate will fight with the Awami League nominee in Patli, Syedpur, Raniganj, Chilaura and Asharkandi. Among the nine unions of Derai upazila, Awami League candidates are under pressure from oppositions in Charnarchar, Rajanagar, Taral, Bhatipara, Sarmangal, Jagdal, Kulanj and Rafinagar unions. Derai Upazila Awami League general secretary Pradeep Roy, however, said the party nominees of the four unions will do well.
Saiful Islam, former organizing secretary of Biswambharpur Upazila Awami League, said that Awami League is not strong enough in the upazila at present. The president and general secretary of the district Awami League have given two members to the upazila committee but it has been almost a year and a half since the 15-day meeting.
“Had there been a committee, Awami League would have been strong in this election. This time Awami League will collapse in all the unions of the upazila. The general secretary of the party is a chairman candidate and the president is just in name. Awami League is weak due to such biased and corrupt reasons,” he said.
Bishwambharpur Upazila Awami League president Benazir Ahmed Manik said, "I have completed the upazila committee and sent it to the district committee. Besides, the condition of Awami League is good in my upazila. So far, Sulokabad and South Badaghat are ahead in the union. I hope it will not collapse like other upazilas.”
Identifying the main reason for the unexpected outcome of the Awami League in UP election, Sunamganj Sadar Upazila Awami League general secretary Mubarak Hossain said, "We sent the list of party chairman candidates to the center through the district committee after consulting the views of grassroots leaders and activists. Those who have no qualifications, no popularity were given party nominations. It has rather made the case weak.”
After submitting the candidature, applications were made to the Central Nomination Board to change such candidates. However, it was not allowed. For these reasons Awami League is in dire conditions in the election, he added.
District Awami League president Matiur Rahman and general secretary Barrister M Enamul Kabir Emon were contacted on mobile phones but could not be reached. District Election Officer Murad Uddin Hawlader said the polls in Bishwambharpur, Dirai and Jagannathpur would be held on December 28.
Electoral equipment has been sent to the upazila. The RAB, BGB and Striking Force will work in each union with a judicial and an executive magistrate. Voting will be free, fair, neutral and peaceful atmosphere.
It may be mentioned that the election of 21 unions of Biswambharpur, Jagannathpur and Derai (fourth phase) upazilas will be held on 26 December. 127 chairman candidates are contesting in 21 unions of three upazilas. Of these, 31 are contesting in 5 unions of Biswambharpur, 37 in 7 unions of Jagannathpur and 59 in 9 unions of Derai. Among them, BNP leaders have emerged strong in 8 out of 9 unions of Derai.