PIROJPUR, Dec 25: Election campaign is spreading at ward and union levels in Mathbaria Upazila Constituency (Pirojppur-3) of Jatiya Sangsad (JS) in the coastal district.
This JS seat of 11 unions and one municipality nearing the Bay of Bengal has been facing natural disasters frequently. That is why the constituency is important geographically.
Eight candidates are contesting from the seat. One of them is Independent candidate Md Rustum Ali Faraji (Eagle), running MP; he was elected MP for three times from the constituency.
This time he was supposed to be nominated by Jatiya Party (JP). But due to unknown reasons, he was not given the JP nomination.
Shamim Shanewaj, Independent candidate (bunch of Banana) for the first time is contesting.
JP (Earshad) nominated and Awami League (AL) supported new candidate Md Mashrequl Azam Robi (Plough) is less known.
A political analyst Tapan Kumar Halder said, a triangular fight is expected; but the situation may change after few days, with all candidates starting electioneering.
Others are: Md Mosharaf Hossain Saku of Bangladesh Congress (Green Coconut), Md Shahidul Islam Sapawn of Bangladesh Kayllan Party (Wristwatch), Md Amir Hosen of National Peoples Party (Mango), Md Shahidul Islam (Garland) and Md Jasim Mia of Bangladesh Sangskritic Muktijot (Cane)
Convenor of the election conducting committee of Dr Md Rustum Ali Faraji and AL leader Ariful Haque said, "We are conducting massive campaign.
Most of AL and associate body leaders and supports are working; women activists are working hard in favour of ensuring maximum women vote casting".
Shamim Shahnewaj is contesting for the first time; one of his brother is running Upazila Parishad chairman of Mathbaria.
JP candidate Mashrequl Azaam Robi is one of the contesting candidates because centrally AL supports him. His supporters are also actively campaigning.
Local administration and Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Abdul Kayum said, "We are committed to conducting fair election at any cost.
Election rigging and unfair means must have to be prevented. Police and plain-clothed intelligence and RAB are actively working. Army will be deployed from 29 December".
