Photo : Messenger
As election campaigning draws an end today marking the January 7 twelfth parliamentary polls, the campaign trail has been marked by a tumultuous mix of violence, chase and counter-chase – with remarkably less promises from the candidates this time compared to any time before.
Politicians and analysts are of the view that the candidates vying for seats in the next parliament have shifted their focus from traditional promises to an urgent appeal for voters to turn out in large numbers at the polling stations on the election day.
They viewed that the atmosphere surrounding the election has been charged with tension, fueled by incidents of violence and intense confrontations. Door-to-door campaigns, a staple of political canvassing, have been carried out amid the chaos, with candidates emphasising the crucial role of citizens in making the upcoming polls truly competitive.
Notably, the campaign has been marred by the boycott of the country’s main opposition BNP (Bangladesh Nationalist Party). The absence of the BNP from the electoral process raises serious questions about the legitimacy of the upcoming elections, particularly in light of concerns about a potential low voter turnout.
In an attempt to address this challenge, candidates aligned with the ruling Awami League and independent candidates supported by the Awami League are making a fervent plea to the electorate.
Rather than making typical election promises, the Awami League-backed candidates are calling on voters to prioritise their civic duty. Urging citizens to go to the polling stations early in the morning, they emphasise that the credibility of the entire electoral process hinges on robust voter participation. This unusual approach reflects the unique circumstances surrounding this election, where the focus has shifted from political pledges to the fundamental act of casting ballots.
While talking to The Daily Messenger about the scant promises this time, election expert Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar said, “With the main opposition BNP boycotting the 12th parliamentary elections, it is expected to be a low voter turnout on January 7. Consequently, Awami League candidates focused more on encouraging voter participation rather than making election promises to legitimise the polls.”
During her final electoral campaign speech on Thursday, AL President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina reiterated her call to voters, urging them to head to the polling stations early on January 7 and cast their votes in favour of the 'Nouka' (Boat), the electoral symbol of AL.
"Voting is your democratic and constitutional right. Attend the polling centers, cast your votes, and demonstrate that democracy is thriving in the country," she emphasised.
When approached for comment on the issue, AL Joint General Secretary AFM Bahauddin Nasim stated that, in response to BNP's alleged plot to create controversy around the January 7 election leading to their boycott, AL candidates have urged voters to remain actively present at the polling stations.
“The objective is to achieve a significant voter turnout, ensuring that no questions arise regarding the legitimacy of the January 7 polls,” he said.
Sujit Roy Nandi, AL Organizing Secretary, said, "Our primary challenge lies in securing a substantial voter turnout, particularly with BNP, a major political party, opting out of the electoral process. Therefore, we have appealed to all citizens of the country to visit polling stations and exercise their voting rights."
Candidates of the 12th Jatiya Sangsad (JS) elections and their supporters were passing a hectic day in their last time electioneering on Thursday as the Election Commission (EC) put a ban on campaigning over the polls from 8:00am today.
The candidates, however, could continue preparatory works for polls amid ban on electioneering.
According to the 78 section of the Representation of People Order (RPO) 1972, none would be allowed to call or join any public rally, street rally and procession in the electoral areas before and after 48 hours of the voting, said EC Director (Public Relations) Shariful Alam.
EC said nationwide voting will take place from 8am to 4pm on Sunday, and a government holiday has been declared on the election day.
Commission officials have confirmed the highest level of preparedness for law enforcement agencies to ensure security. Armed forces have already mobilised to assist in maintaining order, but reports of electoral disturbances have surfaced in various areas.
Incidents of violence involving supporters of both Awami League and independent candidates have been reported in several places on Wednesday. Some candidates have withdrawn from the polls race, citing various disputes. However, with nearly 200 parliamentary seats in favor of the ruling Awami League, there appears to be limited opposition resistance.
According to EC data, there are 1,970 candidates contesting in 299 constituencies, each with their unique symbols. The EC has also noted a significant number of notices and complaints filed against candidates for violating electoral rules.
In a tragic turn of events, the independent candidate for the Nogaon-2 constituency, Aminul Islam, passed away, leading to the suspension of the election in that particular area. Additionally, 16 political parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), have announced their boycott of the election, adding further complexity to the electoral landscape.
This election has seen a record number of candidates facing warnings, fines, cautions, and disqualifications under the election code of conduct. Allegations of misconduct, threats, assaults, and tearing down posters have been levied against candidates from various political parties.
TWO LIVES LOST IN PRE-POLL VIOLENCE, DOZENS INJURED ACROSS DISTRICTS
In the morning on Thursday, two individuals succumbed to their injuries at Dhaka Medical College Hospital following separate incidents of pre-poll violence in Pirojpur and Munshiganj districts. The deceased, Md Jahangir (55) from Badura area in Mathbaria upazila, Pirojpur, and Dalim Sarkar (35) from Sadar upazila, Munshiganj, were supporters of an independent candidate and an Awami League (AL) nominated candidate, respectively.
In addition to the fatalities, at least 27 people sustained injuries in pre-poll violence across three districts since the previous night. In Rajshahi-4 constituency, clashes erupted between supporters of AL candidate Abul Kalam Azad and independent candidate Enamul Haque at Madariganj Bazar. The confrontations, lasting over an hour, left 25 people injured before the police and BGB teams restored control.
Azad's election agent, Mahbubur Rahman, reported an attack on their election camp, alleging that boat symbol activists were beaten by supporters of the independent candidate. Enamul Haque, however, denied the accusation, claiming the clash began when Azad's supporters attacked his campaign procession.
In Naogaon-5 constituency, a supporter of independent candidate Dewan Sekar Ahmed Shishan was stabbed allegedly by supporters of AL candidate Nizam Uddin Jalil. The victim, Rezaul Karim (60), a former Relief and Social Welfare Secretary of Naogaon municipal unit Awami League, was attacked while returning home after conducting an election campaign. Shishan accused boat symbol supporters of carrying out the assault.
In Jhenaidah-2 constituency, an AL leader campaigning for an independent candidate, Tofazzal Hossain Tufa Biswas, was reportedly beaten by supporters of the AL-nominated candidate.
Tofazzal, president of Ganna unit AL under Jhenaidah Sadar upazila, claimed he was assaulted while campaigning for the independent candidate, Naser Shariar Zahedi. Police have initiated an investigation into the incident, with Tofazzal filing a general diary in connection with the attack."
