Blame game heats up campaigns

Independent mayoral aspirant in Narayanganj City Corporation (NCC) polls Taimur Alam Khandaker has come up with numerous allegations of harassment and the lack of a level playing field during electioneering.

Talking to journalists at a press conference at local BNP General Secretary ATM Kamal’s house in Chasara on Tuesday, he said the Election Commission had failed to ensure a level playing field in Narayanganj since the beginning.

“Why should I not be scared when police are swooping on the houses of my leaders?  A fearful atmosphere was created naturally when police detain our election agents in cases related to Hefazat-e-Islam,” he said.

Taimur said his election coordinator Monirul Islam Robi was arrested on Monday night as a warrant had been issued against him. “BNP now has no leader who is not facing an arrest warrant. Until his arrest, Robi was with me even during the collection of nomination paper and election symbol allocation.”

The BNP chairperson herself was facing a sentence and Tarique Rahman was staying abroad due to an arrest warrant, he said.

Police conducted a raid on the houses of BNP leaders Mosharraf Hossain and Majharul Islam Josef and tried to arrest them, he alleged.    

Referring to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Taimur said, “You have arranged this election and the Awami League always says the BNP does not participate in polls due to fears. The current situation will explain why political parties boycott elections. The Narayanganj City Corporation election reflects the real causes behind election boycotts.”

It would tarnish the image of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina if this election was marred by such irregularities and harassments, he said.

He requested the prime minister to ensure the reflection of people’s desires in the NCC polls.

On the contrary, referring to Taimur’s allegations, Awami League nominated candidate Selina Hayat Ivy said, “I am busy with my electioneering. I do not know these. But we always say all kinds of arms holders should be arrested. All candidates want arrests of those who are involved in drug trading or can create anarchies in the city.”

“He [Taimur] is seeking a free and fair atmosphere in the polls and I also want that. I do not want any unwanted situation. My supporters are carrying out election campaigns with me all the time. I do not know what else is happening in other places,” she said.            

During her campaign in Khanpur area of the city, she also said she always has trust in Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the people. 

Talking about Shamim Osman’s participation in the campaign, she said, “He is a parliament member. It will violate the electoral code of conduct if his people participate in electioneering.”

Responding to another question, she said, “Every candidate has fear. I am not an exception, but I certainly hope the administration will remain active and neutral so that voters can cast their votes without any fear.” 

The Narayanganj City Corporation will go to elections on January 16, according to the schedule announced by the Election Commission. It is the third election for the NCC after its formation in 2011.

Ivy was elected the NCC mayor twice – in 2011 and 2016.

She was also elected the mayor in 2011 as an independent candidate. In 2016, she won the NCC elections with the Awami League ticket.