Election 2008Moulvibazar 1,2 And 7

<i>Tea labourers this year may change mind</i>

Look for 'honest' candidates instead of just AL men

24 December 2008, 18:00 PM

Rajat Kanti Goswami, Moulvibazar

Tea labourers are yet to decide to whom they will cast their votes in the upcoming election, it was learnt during this correspondent's visit to some tea gardens in the district. Earlier, tea labourers used to cast vote for candidates having 'Boat' symbol, elderly labourers said. This is because what they said Sheikh Mujib had given their voting rights. During Pakistan period, tea labourers had no voting rights. Tea workers began to cast vote to Awami League candidates to express their gratitude to Sheikh Mujib, elderly labourers said. But now they have become more conscious in the changing atmosphere, they said adding, this time they will cast vote to honest candidates. Vote of tea labourers is a decisive factor in Moulvibazar-1, 2 and 4 constituencies. This is applicable to other constituencies of Habiganj, Sylhet and Chittagong districts. There are 240 tea gardens in Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Sylhet, Chittagong and Panchogarh districts. Of the gardens, 135 are situated in Moulvibazar alone. It is assumed that the number of tea labourer voters in the country will be about three lakh. Earlier, candidates of various political parties pledged many things to voters before elections but they forgot all after being elected, said tea worker leaders. Election manifestos of two major parties also disappointed them, they said. This time tea workers want a firm commitment from candidates who can work for their overall welfare.