Photo : Messenger
The voter’s dissatisfaction with the symbol nomination has ignited resentment with the candidates. Failing to secure the boat symbol, some of the candidates have opted to contest the election independently. Consequently, their supporters are diverting their votes away from the party and towards the independent candidates. This shift in allegiance is contributing to a surge in conflicts, as observed during field visits in several Rajshahi constituencies.
In Rajshahi's Bagmara, renowned as the upazila associated with the emergence of extremists like Bangla Bhai, a notable shift is occurring. Since the 2008 election, Engineer Enamul Haque has held the MP position in this constituency. However, he has not received a nomination for this election. Instead, the nomination has been granted to Abu Kalam Azad, the Mayor of Taherpur Municipality. In response, Enamul Haque has chosen to contest independently. The initial day of campaigning is marked by heightened tensions between the supporters of the two candidates, leading to sporadic clashes.
Activists report that Enamul Haque commands a following, particularly among those engaged in Awami League politics. Despite the party's official candidate, Enamul Haque's candidacy is expected to sway the votes of his loyal supporters, identified by the sickle symbol. Among the six constituencies in Rajshahi, the Boat symbol is encountering the most formidable competition.
According to Abdul Mazid, a resident of Hat Gangopara in Bagmara, two candidates stand out as strong contenders—one an incumbent MP and the other a sitting mayor. This dynamic is causing daily disturbances and disorder during the ongoing campaign.
He expressed concern that tension is escalating as the election day draws near, and there is a looming threat of potentially violent clashes. When asked about his voting preferences, he revealed a significant shift, mentioning that throughout his life, he had been a dedicated supporter of the Boat symbol. However, due to his allegiance to a specific candidate, he has decided not to cast his vote for the Boat symbol in this election.
Simultaneously, the Bagha Charghat seat in Rajshahi 6 is gearing up for a substantial competition. The candidate representing the Boat symbol is Shahriar Alam, the State Minister for Foreign Affairs. Challenging him is Rainul Islam, a former Awami League leader and MP, now running as an independent candidate, marked by the sickle symbol.
Local residents assert that Rainul has a longstanding record as a prominent leader within the Awami League. However, Shahriar Alam's extensive influence have made Rainul and his supporters feel powerless. Consequently, in this election, despite the Boat symbol affiliation, Rainul's followers are inclined to cast their votes independently, deviating from the party line.
Fazle Hossain Badsha, representing the Boat symbol, is the candidate endorsed by 14 parties for both Rajshahi Sadar or Rajshahi 2 seat. Having been a Member of Parliament since 2008, Badsha is a familiar name in the political landscape. However, this time, he faces a formidable challenge from Awami League leader Shafiqur Rahman Badsha, identified by the sickle symbol. The political dynamics in this constituency have witnessed a new polarisation, with discussions among Awami League leaders and activists emphasising strong support for Shafiqur Rahman Badsha. The outcome of this contest is eagerly anticipated.
There is a possibility of a shift in the voting pattern among those accustomed to casting their votes for the Boat symbol for an extended period. If such a transformation occurs, it could pose a challenge for Fazle Hossain in this seat, potentially leading to his defeat.
A similar scenario is unfolding in the Godagari seat of Rajshahi 2. Voters who traditionally vote for Boat, are now going for sickle of Ghulam Rabbani and truck of actress Mahia Mahi. The current MP and former minister, Omar Farooq Chowdhury, is expressing concern about the evolving dynamics in this seat.
Conversely, the electoral landscape appears more predictable for Rajshahi 3 and 4 seats, where the absence of a formidable independent candidate suggests a high likelihood of victory for the predominant contenders.
Leaders and activists from the Awami League are expressing concerns over the electoral scenario. The absence of the BNP and the absence of their preferred candidates have led to a division in the Boat votes. Compounding the issue is the sentiment among long-time Boat supporters who, due to various reasons, are considering voting for a different symbol this time. This dual challenge is intensifying bilateral conflicts and contributing to an overall escalation of tensions within the party.
Messenger/Fameema
