All preparations are complete officially to hold the by-polls to Narayanganj-5 Constituency (Narayanganj Bandar) today (Thursday).The election is going to be held following the sensational seven murders. The people of Narayanganj have taken a open stand against the family of Shamim Osman as they suspect that he might have a hand behind the killings. People of Narayanganj are passing their days in great anxiety as they are doubtful whether the election would be free and fair and peaceful or it would witness more blood sheds. In fact a tense situation was prevailing in the port city centering the bye- election, which even members of law enforcing agencies would admit without being quoted. Even the officials of the Election Commission (EC) are not satisfied with the election preparation. The chief election commissioner (CEC) had earlier (June 15) described the election of Narayanganj- 5 as delicate. The CEC has been out of the country since January 20. Acting CEC Abu Hafiz told the media that adequate number of members of law enforcing agencies were deployed to ensure peaceful and fair elections. He said there was nothing to feel concerned. Dr. Kamal Hossain has written a letter to the EC commission expressing concern on behalf of members of civil society centering the Narayanganj-5 bye -election. Meanwhile, people of Narayanganj including Narayanganj City Corporation Mayor Dr. Selina Hyat Ivy who is also an Awami League leader are bitterly critical of the family of Shamim Osman. The Parliamentary seat of Narayanganj-5 fell vacant following the death of Md. Nasim Osman, who was elected MP with Jatiya Party ticket on January 5.” He died on April 30 in an Indian hospital.Four candidates are contesting the by-polls who are former MP and independent candidate S.M Akram with election symbol of Pineapple, Jatiya Party (JP) candidate and BKMEA President AKM Selim Osman with election symbol of Plough, Krisak Sramik Janata League Candidate Shafiqul Islam Delwer with election symbol of Gamsa and independent candidate Mamun Sirajul Majid with election symbol of Prawn.Meanwhile, the audio-tape of Shamim Osman, MP of the ruling party has become talk of the town. Shamim Osman in the audio tape has spoken of distribution of money to ensure victory of Selim Osman. He said it was not difficult for him to organise 25,000 people or even one lakh people if so required from areas of Siddirganj, Fatullah and Rupganj. Our Narayanganj Correspondent adds: Returning Officer Mihir Sarwar referring to the audio- tape told the media that he would investigate the matter. He said he has heard about the matter but not yet got it. He has asked his workers to spend money. Shamim Osman however, expressed surprise over audio-tape released in his name when asked for his comment by the media. He said there was no question of booth capture in the election. The question of spending money could have been raised, he said, had there been BNP in the election. Police Superintendent Dr.Khandaker Mohid Uddin said that Narayanganj City Corporation including Bandar have been covered with full proof security. Four platoons of BGB, 1,500 police personnel, APBN and battalion Ansar, 1,692 members of Ansar, 42 police mobile teams, 600 RAB personnel and 10 striking force will be posted to maintain law and order on the day. He said seven police and 14 Ansar would be deployed in each of the 141 polling centers.Meanwhile, returning office sources said that rallies, processions and campaign with loud speakers have been banned from June 24 midnight as per the election code of conduct.Plying of all categories of transports, including motor bikes, private cars, buses, auto-rickshaws and trucks, would remain suspended within the jurisdiction of Narayanganj-5 constituency today. The government has declared the day as a public holiday in the constituency so that the voters can exercise their franchise.Returning Officer Mihir Sarwar Morshed said, the number of voters is 3, 42,457 of which 1, 68,123 are females and 1, 74,334 are males. The number of polling centres is 141 which will remain open from 8am to 4pm without any break.There are 1,42,181 voters at Narayanganj Sadar and 2,00,276 at Narayanganj Bandar. The number of polling centers is 52 and 89 respectively.He said that 141 presiding officers, 675 assistant presiding officers and 1350 polling officials have been assigned the election duties.
