Photo: Collected
In the recent upazila elections, both the ruling Awami League and the opposition party, BNP, have delivered a strong rebuke to their respective high commands. The grassroots leaders, activists have shown reluctance in adhering to directives from its party chief. Despite Awami League President Sheikh Hasina's order to exclude relatives of MP ministers from participating in the upazila elections, at least 52 relatives are still contesting for the chairman position, blatantly disregarding the party chief's instructions. Notably, among them is the younger brother of Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader.
Meanwhile, the BNP made a firm decision not to participate in the elections under the ruling government's administration. They announced this stance during a press conference, boycotting the four-stage upazila election. Despite this, 79 BNP candidates are actively contesting for the chairman position in the first three phases, while rebel candidates from the grassroots have declared their intention to remain in the election until the end. However, BNP took disciplinary action against 72 participants from the first phase and 61 from the second phase, expelling them from the party until Friday. Those participating in the third phase will soon receive show cause notices, and if no response is received, they will also face expulsion, as confirmed by a reliable source within the party.
Political analysts and experts in the field assert that voter apathy is on the rise in the country, evident from the significant number of citizens abstaining from voting, including in national elections where about 60 percent of the electorate did not cast their votes.
The decision by BNP to refrain from participation is perceived to have dampened the competitive landscape, leaving only dominant groups to vie for positions. Consequently, the essence of democracy, as well as the vibrancy of cultural and festive election traditions, is waning. Analysts suggest that Awami League's inability to rein in rebels stems from their local influence, potentially jeopardising the party's organisational structure amid expulsions in local elections after four consecutive terms in power. Conversely, despite receiving strict instructions, the presence of numerous relatives of MPs, ministers indicates a lax enforcement of rules. BNP, having been away from leadership for over a decade and a half, holds a firm position in implementing decisions.
However, some believe that the authority of the high command has weakened due to decisions being disregarded.
According to sources, there are a total of 79 candidates from BNP vying for the chairman position across the three phases of the elections. Among them, 28 contested in the first phase, 25 in the second, and 26 in the third. BNP has taken disciplinary action against 72 candidates who participated in the first phase, expelling them for defying the party's decision. Additionally, after issuing show-cause notices to the 61 candidates from the second phase, the party's senior joint general secretary, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, announced their expulsion on Friday. He stated, "With the open support of neighboring countries, a one-man dictatorship has been established in the country after the sham election on January 7th." He emphasised the deep crisis facing the people, stressing that the voting rights of freedom-loving individuals are currently at risk. Rizvi called upon the party's leaders, supporters, and well-wishers at all levels to boycott the so-called upazila elections.
It is noted that the last Thursday marked the deadline for the withdrawal of nomination papers in the third phase of the election. Despite the party's directive, at least 25 members of the ruling party have decided to contest in this phase. Notably, Shahadat Hossain, the younger brother of Awami League General Secretary and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader, along with his nephew (sister's son) Mahbubur Rashid Manju, have submitted their nominations to run for the chairman position in Companyganj of Noakhali.
Besides, Aminul Islam Tushar, nephew of local parliamentarian Captain AB Tajul Islam, is the chairman candidate in Bancharampur of Brahmanbaria, Jubo League leader Mamunur Rashid, brother of local MP Abul Kalam Azad in Devidwar of Cumilla, son of local member of parliament Jahangir Alam Sarkar in Muradnagar. Ahsanul Alam Kishore, his nephew's son (grandson) Al Amin Sarkar and nephew of local MP MA Jaher in Brahmanpara, former president of District Chhatra League Mohammad Abu Tayyab Sarkar, Sohel Sarwar Kajal, elder brother of local MP Saimum Sarwar Kamal in Ramu, Cox's Bazar, Jahangir Kabir Chowdhury, brother of local MP Shaheen Akhtar in Ukhia, Lakshmipur AKM Salahuddin Tipu is the brother-in-law of local MP Nooruddin Chowdhury Nayan, Imtiaz Ahmad Bulbul, the younger brother of Deputy Minister of Agriculture Abdus Shaheed in Moulvibazar, Asia Alam, younger sister of former president Md Abdul Hamid and cousin of local MP Rezwan Ahmed Taufiq, has become candidate for Mithamain in Kishoreganj. Mirajul Islam, brother of MP Mohiuddin Maharaj, brother of MP Mohiuddin Maharaj in Pirojpur-2 seat, Riyazuddin Ahmed, brother of MP Shamim Shah Newaj, brother of Pirojpur 3 seat, current chairman Riazuddin Ahmed and Noor Afroz Happy, wife of local MP Sultana Nadir's cousin, have been candidates in Patharghata of Barguna.
Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader informed reporters that the Prime Minister has clarified that the term "relatives" specifically refers to children and wives. Therefore, no interference or influence from other relatives is permissible in the upazila elections, as emphasised by the Prime Minister.
Shujan Secretary Badiul Alam Majumdar, expressed concern that the electoral system of Bangladesh has deteriorated significantly, likening it to being in exile. He highlighted that the people of the country are currently facing a crisis, which has led to a situation where leaders and activists are no longer heeding advice or directives. Majumdar emphasised the urgent need for politicians to take responsibility for restoring the exiled democracy and electoral system in Bangladesh. Failure to do so, he warned, will result in the people bearing the consequences.
Messenger/Fameema
