Rangpur election proceeding fairly, says Ershad

Jatiya Party Chairman HM Ershad says the Rangpur City Corporation election is proceeding peacefully and fairly.

Ershad made the remark after casting his ballot at the Tozammel Hossain Memorial Child Welfare Government Primary School polling centre in Senapara around 9:30am on Thursday.

Mostafizur Rahman Mostafa is competing for the mayor’s seat on behalf of the Jatiya Party.

“I have received word from polling centres other than this one. Votes are being cast in a fair and peaceful environment … there is no cause for worry.”

“Voters will choose the plough,” said Ershad. “Our candidate will win by a 100,000 vote margin.”

Ershad arrived on Monday on a five-day trip during which he would cast his vote. But, due to election regulations, he could not take part in the campaign for his party’s candidate. However, he says he has been keeping an eye on the campaign and is providing advice.

The 193 polling centres for the Rangpur City Corporation opened at 8am on Thursday and are scheduled to close at 4pm.

The winter chill had been expected to diminish turnout in the morning. There have been no reported disturbances.

The last major polls of the year are likely to be a tight race as the three major parties have each fielded candidates. Seven candidates will be competing for the mayor’s post while 276 candidates are looking for council seats.

The ruling Awami League has expressed optimism about a victory in the mayor’s seat.

Jatiya Party Chairperson HM Ershad has also expressed confidence regarding the race in his party’s stronghold. The BNP, however, has expressed concerns about vote rigging.

Though the elections are only for local government seats, all eyes are on the poll, election observers say.

The Election Commission says it wants to present the nation with a ‘model election’ in Rangpur ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections and has taken all possible measures to ensure a smooth process.