Outlaws scare people away from by-polls

Panic has dismayed the two women contestants for the post of municipal chairman and their electorate alike following distribution of leaflets in the name of Purba Banglar Communist Party (PBCP).

The leaflets called for shunning election and threatened of violence for non-compliance.

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By-election to the post of municipal chairman will he held today, following the murder of Alo Khondokar, an Awami League leader and first chairman of the municipality.

Alo's widow Khandaker Saila Parveen and Shamsunnahar Wahwd, daughter of BNP leader late Prof Abdul Wahed are still in the race in the municipality in Bagmara upazila, an area stalked by PBCP outlaws.

"We are now terrified following the leaflets as police are virtually helpless before the outlaws", said a businessman in the small town.

The two women candidates were also not seen campaigning in the tense situation.

Alo Khondokar and Abdul Wahed were killed by outlaws on December 8 and February 7 respectively last year.

Two males -- Jatiya Party (E) leader Nurul Islam Shah and independent candidate Muhammad Zakaria collected nomination papers. Nurul Islam submitted his nomination paper but withdrew it later.

Some people this correspondent talked to said they are panicked following distribution of the leaflets.

"Saving life is important, not campaigning", one person said seeking anonymity.

"We do not want to see any more blood here", said a businessman.

Many said they would go to polling centres if the situation remains peaceful.

Saila had demanded army deployment to ensure fair elections in a peaceful atmosphere.

"People became afraid and campaigning did not got momentum following threats by outlaws", she said.

Shamsunnahar also apprehends violence on the election day. She hoped the government would take necessary steps for a peaceful and fair election.

High police officials said they have tightened security in the town and haunt for identified miscreants is on.

Police so far arrested an alleged outlaw from Bagmara and three others from Rajshahi city when they were pasting PBCP posters.

But people said these steps will not allay fear from their minds.