Young and new voters are expected to play a vital role in the July 6 Gazipur city corporation election as they constitute nearly half of the electorates. No wonder, the two major mayoral candidates – the 18-party Alliance-backed Prof MA Mannan and the 14-party Alliance-backed Advocate Ajmat Ullah Khan – are going all out to woo the youth brigade. On their part, the youths seem politically conscious as they debate over the two candidates. Several national and local issues such as Hefazat-e-Islam, the caretaker government system, gas connections and water logging feature prominently in these debates.
Floating voters like workers in different industrial zones are also expected to play a key role in the forthcoming election.
Meanwhile, campaigning for the corporation polls has gained momentum with mayoral and councillor candidates holding mass rallies and going from door to door to seek votes.
On the other hand, voters have expressed concern over the presence of outsiders during campaigning. It is learnt that groups of young men and women are now busy campaigning for both mayoral candidates. They are visiting the city corporation areas by microbus and seeking votes for their respecting candidates. Central leaders of BCL and JCD are monitoring their activities. Besides, several MPs and central leaders are campaigning in Gazipur city.
City residents apprehend that the presence of so many outsiders may affect the polling process. “We are worried about the large number of outsiders engaged in campaigning. The law enforcers must take initiative against such activities,” said Makbul Hossain, a shopkeeper at Joydebpur Chowrasta. “The outsiders may affect the process of holding free and fair polls,” said Monir Hossain, a resident of ward no. 42.
However, returning officer of the Gazipur city corporation election Motiar Rahman said, “I have not received any news or complaints about immigrant campaigners. We are monitoring the situation. If we get any evidence, we will take steps according to electoral rules.”
BSS adds: Advisory Council Member of Awami League (AL) Tofail Ahmed on Friday said the results of the four city corporation polls would have no influence in Gazipur as Awami League had it and will
have it.
-With The Independent input
