Election 2008

Duel of alliances also in most Naogaon seats

28 December 2008, 18:00 PM

Saidur Rahman, Naogaon

Direct duel between the candidates of AL-led Grand Alliance and BNP-led four party alliances is most likely in the five out of six constituencies in Naogaon. There is no influential candidate other than nominees of the two major alliances in these five seats. In Naogaon-4 (Manda) seat Awami League rebel and independent candidate Imajuddin Pramanik has become a major headache for both Grand Alliance candidate SM Abdul Latif and four party alliance nominee Shamsul Alam Pramanik. On a spot visit local people said though at the primary stage the four party leaders and workers were happy at the news of Imajuddin Pramanik's running as an independent candidate. But the situation is changing. Four party alliance partner Jamaat-e-Islami and its student front Islami Chattra Shibir are not working sincerely for the BNP candidate. Awami League candidate is facing trouble due to the rebel candidate. Manda Upazila BNP is divided into some three factions for last two to three years. As a result all the BNP leaders and workers could not be involved in the campaign for the party candidate. Upazila BNP member and four party alliance's election steering committee convener Saiful Islam Chowdhury said they are worried about the outcome of the election as Jamaat is not involving its workers in the campaign. He, however said the main competition would be between the four party alliance nominee and the independent candidate. On way to Proshadpur Bazar local rickshaw van driver Khokan of Balo Singh Jonglipara said traditionally his family members used to vote for Jamaat candidate. This time Jamaat workers have not been seen working for "Sheaf of Paddy." In such a situation the members of his family have decided to vote for "Pitcher" of the independent candidate. From the prevailing situation it seems a three-prong fight will take place here.