In Chattogram’s Fatikchhari, court orders collide with voter expectations

Since December, the Election Commission and courts have issued three decisions in 17 days regarding BNP candidate Sarwar Alamgir’s candidacy

Uncertainty over the BNP candidate’s status has dominated conversations among voters in Chattogram’s Fatikchhari Upazila, as court and Election Commission decisions continue to reshape the contest ahead of the election.

At a tea stall in Jhankar Mor on Thursday afternoon, locals Shafiqul Alam, Taibul Islam and Yusuf Hossain were among those discussing the issue, which they said has overshadowed almost every other election-related topic in the area.

“Since campaigning began, the main question everywhere has been whether the BNP candidate will finally remain in the race,” said Shafiqul, a resident of East Farhadabad.

“One decision follows another. He has spent a lot of time running between courts.”

“The court says he can contest, but that the result will be declared later,” he added.

“We ordinary people don’t understand the legal process very well. That’s why there’s still confusion among voters.”

On Tuesday, a ruling cleared the way for BNP candidate Sarwar Alamgir to contest the election in the Chattogram-2 (Fatikchhari) constituency, adding fresh momentum to the race.

CONTEST TAKING SHAPE

Voters now see a three-way contest emerging between BNP’s Sarwar, contesting with the paddy sheaf symbol; Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Muhammad Nurul Amin, contesting with the scales symbol; and Bangladesh Supreme Party Chairman Syed Saifuddin Ahmed Maizbhandari, running with the Ektara symbol.

Other candidates include Rabiul Hasan Tanzim of Gono Odhikar Parishad, Md Zulfikar Ali Mannan of Islami Andolan, Md Golam Nowsher Ali of Janotar Dal, and independents Ahmed Kabir and Jinnat Akhtar.

Local voters say their priorities include improving law and order, developing the communication network, expanding educational opportunities, renovating the Dhurung Canal, and ensuring gas supply.

A total of 488,465 voters are registered in the constituency, who will cast their ballots at 140 polling stations.

LEGAL TWISTS FUEL CONFUSION

Since late December, the Election Commission and courts have issued three decisions in 17 days regarding Alamgir’s candidacy, keeping the constituency in suspense.

On Thursday, the Jamaat-e-Islami candidate also held a press conference on the issue.

On Dec 29, Chattogram Deputy Commissioner and returning officer Mohammad Zahidul Islam Miah declared Sarwar’s nomination valid.

Jamaat candidate Nurul later challenged the decision at the Election Commission, alleging the BNP candidate was a loan defaulter.

The EC accepted the appeal on Jan 18 and cancelled Sarwar’s candidacy.

The following day, Sarwar filed a petition at the High Court.

On Jan 27, the High Court suspended the EC decision, restored his nomination, and directed the commission to allocate him the paddy sheaf symbol.

Nurul then filed a leave to appeal, which the Appellate Division granted on Tuesday.

Following that ruling, Sarwar’s lawyer Ahsanul Karim said his client would remain in the race, though the gazette notification could not be published until the appeal is resolved.

Nurul told bdnews24.com that the Appellate Division had set Apr 28 for the hearing.

“If the BNP candidate is elected, the gazette will be published only after the verdict,” he said.

“If another candidate wins, there is no obstacle.”

Sarwar, however, struck a defiant note. “I will only say this,” he told bdnews24.com. “The voters of Fatikchhari will reject those who want to become MPs through the courts.”

VOTERS’ EXPECTATIONS

Fatikchhari Upazila in northern Chattogram is bordered by hills, with the Halda River flowing through the area.

To local residents, however, the Dhurung Canal remains a symbol of long-standing neglect and hardship.

Voters say their key expectations include improved law and order, better access to education and healthcare, and the expansion of gas connections.

Repairing damaged roads and restoring the Dhurung Canal have also emerged as pressing demands.

Farmer Monir Ahmed from Daulatpur village in Ward 7 of Nazirhat Municipality said party activists were visiting homes to seek votes, but development gaps remained evident.

“Some of the roads in our area are in very poor condition and need urgent repairs,” he said.

“The Dhurung Canal is our biggest sorrow. Although some work was done last year under a waste management project, much of the canal remains clogged. It needs a complete renovation,” he added, noting that the overall election environment had so far remained peaceful.

A local journalist said around 20 murders had taken place in Fatikchhari over the past one and a half years, with several linked to politics, land grabbing and extortion.

“People want a clear improvement in law and order,” he said, adding that bridges at Nangalmora, Suabil and Nazirhat Bazar were vital for improving communication.

Fatikchhari has 18 tea gardens and three rubber plantations, with forest areas covering around 73,000 acres.

Utpal Biswas, manager of Rangapani Tea Garden, said power shortages often disrupted production.

“Gas connections would significantly reduce our fuel costs. Tea is a national resource, and this sector deserves policy support,” he said.

Voter Rezaul Karim pointed to the untapped potential of tourism in the area and the absence of gas supply despite pipelines passing through the Upazila.

He also reiterated demands for extending the railway line to northern Fatikchhari.

Pallabi Khastagir, headteacher of Jafatnagar Jahanara Momtaz Girls’ High School, said schools in remote areas faced an acute shortage of trained teachers.

“Meeting teacher demand in marginal areas would greatly benefit students,” she said.

CAMPAIGNING GATHERS LATE MOMENTUM

Local residents say the BNP candidate’s campaign remained subdued due to legal complications, but has gained momentum since Wednesday.

BNP candidate Alamgir acknowledged the delay, saying party leaders, activists and voters were now energised.

“If elected, we will build a prosperous and terror-free Fatikchhari,” he said, outlining plans for industrialisation, employment generation and developing the area as a “tea city”.

Speaking on Thursday, he said he respected all religions and would continue to stand by people of all communities.

Maizbhandar Darbar Sharif is located in the Upazila, making votes from its followers a significant factor in the constituency.

Members of the Maizbhandari family have been elected from the seat in the past, and this time Bangladesh Supreme Party Chairman Syed Saifuddin Ahmed Maizbhandari is contesting as part of the “Greater Sunni Alliance”.

Although his campaign started late, Maizbhandari held public outreach programmes in several areas on Thursday.

He attributed the delay to illness and said campaigning was now in full swing.

“People will vote for individuals, not symbols,” he said.

“Voters will reject black money, bank looting and extortion. If the country is to change, people must also change their mindset.”

Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Nurul also conducted outreach activities across multiple areas, including Azadi Bazar and Kanchannagor.

Addressing supporters, he called for a non-discriminatory and peaceful Fatikchhari.

Speaking to bdnews24.com, Nurul alleged obstacles in campaigning, including the removal of banners and what he described as misinformation.

“I am listening to the people,” he said.

“If elected, my commitment is to ensure fairness, justice, and improved education and health services.”