Photo : Messenger
Although the ruling Awami League (AL), in a dramatic and unexpected turn of political strategy, allowed its members to vie in the ensuing national polls as independent candidates, the move has sparked widespread confusion among a growing number of party activists.
There is a growing speculation as to whether the independent candidates have turned out to be the party’s Achilles heel in the election race.
The intent behind such a tactical stance, set against the backdrop of the January 7 parliamentary polls, was to inject inclusivity and competition into the political landscape when the party embarked on this unprecedented approach.
But what was envisioned as a means to broaden democratic participation has instead fractured the Awami League into two or three distinct factions, particularly at its grassroots level, igniting conflicts that are now threatening the party's unity.
Since the official election campaign kicked off on December 18, reports of clashes between backers of the party's official candidates and those supporting independent contenders have surfaced in numerous parliamentary seats.
The confrontations have turned violent, resulting in hundreds of injuries, with a significant number of the wounded being local-level leaders and activists affiliated with the Awami League.
Party members express concern that this unconventional strategy, endorsed by the party leadership, may have lasting repercussions on party unity. Those who choose to support independent candidates could face reprisals from incumbent lawmakers even after the completion of the January 7 national polls, potentially harming the party's cohesion in the future.
Consequently, party members find themselves in a state of confusion, torn between loyalty to the party's symbol, the "Nouka" (Boat), and the desire for change.
Talking to this correspondent, some Awami League members pledged unwavering support for the party symbol in the upcoming elections. Others, however, voiced opposition to the Nouka, citing the alleged involvement of many incumbent lawmakers in corruption and other misdeeds over the past decades.
With the onset of the twelfth parliamentary elections, the widespread influence of the Awami League becomes evident. AL-nominated candidates are actively participating in the race for 266 seats, while 382 independent candidates are vying for 221 seats. Notably, a substantial portion of these independent candidates has originated from the ruling party, challenging its own officially nominated candidates in the January 7 polls.
In response to inquiries, Jahangir Kabir Nanak, a member of the Awami League's presidium, conveyed that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the party's chief, had directed party leaders to serve as "dummy candidates" with the goal of promoting an inclusive election and increasing voter turnout.
However, he expressed disappointment as these "dummy candidates" have declared war against the party's symbol, Nouka (Boat).
"It's regrettable that some members have failed to grasp our leader's message. I want to clarify that those who do not comprehend this directive will face organizational consequences after the polls,” he said.
In an interview with correspondent Abu Sufiyan Shafique, the Chairman of Bogura Sadar Upazila and President of Bogura Sadar Thana Unit AL expressed concern over the deteriorating situation at the grassroots level. He emphasised that individuals in significant party positions should refrain from working against the party symbol "Nouka," as such actions are undermining the unity of the party at the grassroots level.
"I urge the party leadership to take necessary measures against those holding key party positions at the grassroots level who are working against the party symbol Nouka. It is essential to bring them under organizational scrutiny and address the issues that are negatively impacting our party unity," he stated.
Meanwhile, as the countdown to the voting day progresses, clashes persist between the ruling Awami League-nominated candidates and independent candidates backed by AL.
Since the inception of the campaign for the Twelfth National Parliamentary Elections, conflicts and confrontations among supporters of rival candidates show no signs of abating. Reports of campaign camp vandalism and the tearing of posters further contribute to the escalating tensions.
On Thursday, clashes unfolded in two locations. In Madaripur, a bomb attack targeted supporters of an independent candidate, while in Faridpur, violent confrontations erupted between the followers of two candidates, resulting in casualties. A day earlier, news emerged of an attack on the residence of a supporter of an independent candidate in Satkania, Chattogram. Over the past four days alone, there have been 21 incidents of election-related conflicts across various locations, with attacks on supporters of independent candidates appearing to be predominant.
In the Munshiganj-3 (Sadar and Gazaria) constituency, a clash occurred on December 18 between the followers of Awami League's incumbent MP, Mrinal Kanti Das, and supporters of the recently resigned Munshiganj Municipality Mayor, Mohammad Faisal, an independent candidate. Seven supporters of Mrinal Kanti sustained injuries in the altercation.
Moreover, on December 20, supporters of the independent candidate reportedly vandalised a union election office affiliated with the party's candidate. Additionally, the electoral enquiry committee issued a show-cause notice to local Awami League leader Abu Bakkar Siddik Shamol for the alleged attack on Lalmonrhat-1 independent candidate Ataur Rahman Prodhan, along with the vandalism of his car and election office in Hatibandha on Thursday.
Messenger/Fameema
