BNP-backed councillors for Chittagong City Corporation poll contest

BNP-backed councillors of the port-city of Chittagong have said they are keen to take part in the City Corporation polls.

However, the party, which boycotted the 2014 national polls expressing lack of confidence in the Election Commission, is yet to announce its stand on the city polls in Dhaka and Chittagong.

Most of the councillors, however, say they have strong chances of winning and hinted they might not toe the party line if it decided to stay away.

Only three said they would abide by the central decision. 

BNP-backed candidates had dominated the 2010 port-city polls, winning in 20 of the 41 wards, and two of the 14 reserved for women.

The Councillor of Mohra Ward, Mohammad Azam, told bdnews24.com, “I did not spend time with my family for the last five years. I did not do anything for myself. Now if I am told to stay away from the polls, how would it feel?”

“There is no BNP-Awami League at the local levels. It would have mattered if we were contending for the mayor’s post. The people of my area want me to contest.”

Of the 22 incumbent councillors, six have various cases against them for indulging in political violence.

Only one of them could be reached. The councillor of North Pahartali Ward, Abdus Sattar Selim, said, “I want to see my work reflected in the vote. 

“Our activists are not in the field because of the cases and repression. The high command has given no directive. I will try to get bail from the High Court. If not, I will have to compete from the outside.”

Soraipara Ward Councillor Babul Haque said only 10 days were left to get a party decision, and hinted he would take the final call himself.

“The party is not an issue. I will decide with my family. There is a high possibility of my getting elected again.”

West Bakalia Ward Councillor Jafrul Islam echoed Haque, saying: “A lot depends on the people. I have fulfilled my electoral pledges, so there is lot of pressure from the people.”

Enayet Bazar’s four-time councillor Abdul Malek said, “There are a lot of poor people in my area. There is a lot I have to do for them. If I have to go by what the party decides, then the general people will be in trouble. My days and nights are with the locals. I will definitely compete.” 

East Bakalia Ward Councillor Mohammad Toyeb said, “Party consensus is not a factor when it comes to the area’s development. I am ready. Communications with metropolitan leaders are underway. I will become a candidate when I get the signal.”

South Bakalia Ward Councillor Yasin Chowdhury said, “The party will take its decision. We are in touch and will definitely take part in the polls.”

“The party’s decision does not matter. But I am yet to decide whether to contest or not. I will decide after watching the situation for a few days,” South Patenga Councillor Nurul Absar said. 

Women ward councillor Arju Shahabuddin said, “I am in regular contact with other councillors. Most of them want to take part in the polls. If the people want, I will contest.”

However, Pathantuli Ward Councillor Niaz Mohammad Khan sees things a little differently. 

“I am waiting for the party decision. People know me because of the party. I was elected because of the party. It would not be right to go against it and contest.”

Munir Nagar Ward Councillor Hasan Murad said, “There is local pressure. I have a post in the party. The rest depends on its decision, which is final.”

Ward Councillor Monowara Begum Monir also said she was waiting for the party’s decision.

Meanwhile, Fatema Badshah, joint secretary of the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal, BNP’s women-wing, has expressed interest in contesting at the North Pathantuli Ward.

The party’s youth wing joint secretary, Sheikh Rasel, is keen on competing for the Shulkabahar Ward.