Staff Reporter:
The Jamaat-e-Islami is taking preparations to participate in the upcoming upazila parishad elections which will be held in four phases.
Meanwhile, the party has asked concerned leaders of every district to make necessary preparations in this regard.
A responsible source of the Jamaat confirmed the matter, saying that an official announcement will be made within a week.
However, candidates will not be fielded in all upazilas. The party will field candidates only in the upazilas where the Jamaat is more organized and organization activities are stronger.
The Jamaat has been preparing after the announcement of the dates by the Election Commission on holding the polls in four phases.
Besides, the candidates of the ruling Awami League will not take part in the election under the party’s symbol which encourages the Jamaat to take this decision.
The source has claimed that the Jamaat has become more organizationally strong in the last five years.
The party is considering taking part in the election for four reasons.
Wishing anonymity, an influential member of the central Majlis-e-Shura of the Jamaat, said that the upazila parishad election is the local government election. More than 100 chairmen from the Jamaat were elected in the previous upazila parishad election.
The highest number of chairmen was elected in Rangpur-5 constituency which is known as the Awami League’s fort. Jamaat leaders were elected chairman in seven unions among 17 union parishads.
According to the Jamaat, there are four reasons behind its decision to take part in the election. Firstly, If they participate in the election, communication will be increased with the common people which will strengthen party’s foundation, secondly there will be no chance of vote rigging as there will be no party’s candidate from the ruling party, thirdly, if the election is done, there will be an opportunity for Jamaat to participate directly in the various activities and lastly, people will get an idea about the organizational strength of the Jamaat.
The source also said that written opinions were sought from the party’s leaders in every upazila across the country. Almost everyone has given a green signal to take part in the election.
While contacted, Asaduzzaman Shimul, assistant secretary of Rangpur district Jamaat and also general secretary of Mithapukur upazila Jamaat unit, said that they are waiting for the party’s decision to take part in the upazila election.
“We hope to get a positive response this week,” he said.
He also said that a hint has already been given from the party and they also have finalized candidates.
Earlier on February 6, the Election Commission announced that the upazila parishad elections will be held in four phases.
The first phase of voting will be held on May 4, the second phase on May 11, the third phase on May 18 and the fourth (final) phase on May 25.
According to the latest information, 483 upazila parishads are up for election.
