Election 2008

Battle of AL, BNP in 16 Ctg seats at a glance

24 December 2008, 18:00 PM

Abdullah Al Mahmud, Ctg

Out of 16 constituencies in Chittagong district, Awami League (AL) sees bright prospect in four seats and a tough contest with Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in one, while BNP and Jamaat have better chances in the rest eleven seats. In 2001 election, out of the then 15 constituencies, BNP-led four-party alliance won 13 seats excluding Fatikchhari and Raozan. However, having increased number of AL voters following delimitation in two constituencies and the split of LDP from it, BNP may face defeat in at least three seats it won in the previous election, said sources concerned. The seats are Chittagong- 3 (Sitakunda), Chittagong-6 (Rangunia) and Chittagong-13 (Chandanaish). Besides, BNP candidates appear to be in a weaker position in Chittagong-8 (Kotoali) and Chittagong-12 (Anowara). As such AL has chances in five seats, they added. However, AL may be disappointed in Fatikchhari and Raozan of north Chittagong, the only two seats it won in 2001. AL has fielded ATM Peyarul Islam to fight against BNP stalwart Salahuddin Quader Chowdhury in Fatikchhari while in Raozan, delimitation has increased the number of BNP voters there. While talking to this correspondent on Sunday, AL Chittagong (north) district unit General Secretary MA Salam hoped victory in four seats Chittagong- 1, 3, 5 and 6. On the other hand, Chittagong (north) district BNP member M Nazim Uddin finds a brighter prospect for BNP in six seats. Out of four city seats, BNP has good prospect in Chittagong-7 (Chandgaon-Boalkhali), Chittagong- 9 (Double Mooring- Pahartali) and Chittagong-10 (Bandar-Patenga) while AL in Chittagong- 8 (Kotowali). But Chittagong city AL General Secretary Kazi Enamul Haq Danu finds a better prospect for AL in Chittagong-9 and 10. Of the five seats of south Chittagong, BNP has bright prospect in Chittagong -11 (Patiya) and Chittagong-15 (Banshkhali), where as AL would have chance in Chittagong-12 (Anowara). As four-party alliance partner, Jamaat would focus its all attention to win Chittagong-14 (Lohagara-Satkania) seat. Talking to this correspondent, Chittagong (south) district BNP President Ahmed Khalil Khan said, “BNP is sure to win Chittagong-15. On the other hand, Chittagong (south) district AL General Secretary Moslem Uddin Ahmed said, “We have bright prospect in Chittagong- 11, 12 and 15.”