The 10th parliamentary election is set to be held tomorrow in 59 districts across the country, amid boycott by the main opposition BNP and its allies. A total of 390 candidates will contest the polls in 147 parliament constituencies as candidates in the remaining 153 seats have been elected unopposed. As such, no voting will take place in five districts — Joypurhat, Shariatpur, Madaripur, Chandpur and Rajbari.
The Awami League, Jatiya Party (Ershad), JP(Manju), Gonotontri Party, Gonofront, JSD, Bangladesh Islami Front, Bangladesh Khelafat Mojlish, Bangladesh Tarikat Federation, National Awami Party, Worker’s Party of Bangladesh and BNF are going to take part in the election.
The election commission (EC) has taken up a three-tier security measure to ensure security during the polls. A total of 55,000 armed forces members, 16,000 BGB, 8,000 RAB, 2.20 lakh ansars and 80,000 policemen have been deployed across the country to maintain law and order.
According to the EC, 22 local organizations and two foreign organizations will observe the election. The commission hopes that the polls will be acceptable at home and abroad. Election Commissioner Mohammad Shah Nawaz told The Independent that armed forces teams will be deployed in all 64 districts to create a tolerant atmosphere and allow safe movement of people to the polling centres.
Meanwhile, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has termed this election a ‘selection’ and urged the people to boycott the polls. The BNP led 18-party alliance has enforced a 48-hour strike from 6:00am today. The participation of the Jatiya Party in the polls also remains uncertain due to contradictory statements by its leaders.
-With The Independent input
