report in Prothom Alo, Dec 24, 2023
The conflict over electioneering for the upcoming 12th parliamentary election has been escalating with campaigns and rallies of rival candidates being attacked, workers being beaten and threatened.
A person was hacked to death in Madaripur’s Kalkini on Saturday. Independent candidate Tahmina claimed the victim to be her party worker. An incident of shooting took place at the house of a worker of an independent candidate in Munshiganj.
Clashes took place in 10 places of 9 constituencies from Friday night to Saturday. At least 10 people were injured in these incidents. Clashes occurred in 15 places of 11 constituencies from Thursday night to night to Friday night. At least 30 people were injured in these incidents.
The campaign for the election started on 18 December. Since then, clashes took place 46 places and one was killed.
Workers of independent candidates and election campaign camps came to attack more yesterday. Strong independent candidates are mostly the leaders of Awami League. The attackers are alleged to be supporters of the Awami League nominated candidates. Thus, the ruling Awami League leaders-activists are mainly engaging in conflicts.
Election Commissioner Anisur Rahman yesterday said they are going to take stern actions in cases of electoral violence and violations of electoral code of conduct. The Election Commission (EC) may even revoke candidacy in some particular cases.
“We discussed some strict actions today. We’ve sought some more information, and you will see us making some tough decisions after obtaining information tomorrow,” Anisur said.
Awami League fielded candidates in 264 seats in the election. Of these candidates, over 100 are going to face stiff competitions from the independent candidates belonging to their own party. The Awami League candidates are somewhat relaxed in the rest of constituencies. Awami League withdrew its own candidates in 26 seats for Jatiya Party and 6 seats to 14-party coalition partners.
Jatiya Party is going to face stiff competition in 16 seats and all six seats vacated for the 14-party alliance likely to see competitive election. In all these constituencies, the strong independent candidates are mainly leaders of Awami League.
Clashes have been taking place in constituencies where a stiff competition is likely.
https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/politics/tkttkzvfnl
