Editorial
Gazipur city corporation polls
Cooperation of all concerned expected
VOTERS go to polls on July 6 to elect a new mayor for Gazipur. Amidst allegations and counter allegations about violation of campaign rules by both the ruling party and the opposition, the atmosphere is obviously charged. Allegations have been levelled at the opposition bloc for whipping up religious sentiments to woo votes. For the ruling party, it was high drama as a local leader broke ranks with the high command to run for office. That chapter too has come to an amicable solution.
Having lost four major mayoral elections, winning at Gazipur is of paramount importance to Awami League from a prestige point of view. For the opposition, a win at Gazipur would be a massive morale booster to its rank and file. Yet, as with any election, there will be a winner and loser. We trust that polling will be free and fair for Gazipur residents to choose who leads their city and results accepted gracefully. Because a tense atmosphere has preceded the run-up to the elections, all concerned are expected to apply restraint.
In that context, it is expected that the Election Commission (EC) will exercise full authority in preventing any untoward incident that may occur in an attempt to sway voting. As the EC has ruled out the deployment of the army, a principal demand of the opposition parties, we hope the body is capable of handling the situation, as it has done so in the previous four mayoral elections.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments