Divided AL may help BNP

AppId is over the quota AppId is over the quota BNP-backed candidate is now eyeing victory in Narayanganj City Corporation (NCC) polls slated for October 30 as its arch rival Awami League has been cut asunder by internal conflict.

Two heavyweight AL candidates? former lawmaker Shamim Osman and former municipality mayor Selina Hayat Ivy ? are contesting the polls giving an opening for Taimur Alam Khandaker, a BNP candidate, to win the race.

Political analysts say internecine feuds in ruling Awami League, price hikes of essentials, slide in law and order and the government?s failure to meet public expectations may help Taimur sail through the elections.

AL, however, extended its support to Shamim on Thursday creating a sense of confusion among the voters of AL camp.

Local leaders and activists expressed their deep frustration as the two AL candidates are contesting the polls disregarding the party high command decision.

Party President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also asked both the candidates to reach a negotiation but her advice fell into deaf ear.

Former AL lawmaker Shamim Osman said the party decision in his favour will ensure his triumph in the polls as it has boosted the confidence of leaders and activists of the party.

Ruling party insiders hinted that Ivy might pull out of the race anytime before the day of election.

When asked about AL support for Shamim Ivy said the party had not yet officially extended its support for any candidate.

?Besides, I want to contest the polls as the voters are with me,? she said adding that she was very hopeful to become the mayor of Narayanganj.

Meanwhile, the lone candidate of the main opposition BNP Taimur Alam Khandoker said: ?I hope I will win the polls by a huge margin of votes due to the internal feud between the candidates of the ruling party.?

AL insiders say it?s a litmus test for the party as it can evaluate its popularity from the Narayanganj election result amid BNP-led opposition alliances? threat of boycotting next general elections without a caretaker government system.

?Failure to address internal feuds, especially to tame down the rebel candidates, has destroyed party discipline. It is high time the party addressed the problems to regain the people?s confidence,? said a senior leader on condition of anonymity.

Source: daily-sun.com

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