Independent candidates make the competition harder for 'Boatmen'

In light of the 12th national parliamentary elections, independent candidates emerged strongers in terms of pushing the Awami League nominated ones to the corner. Party candidates are facing tough competition in constituencies where independent candidates hold significant influence and enjoy popularity.

Despite the fact that the party's nominated candidates are leading in most constituencies nationwide, they will have to contend with over fifty independent candidates in order to secure victory. Meanwhile, the Awami League is embracing the presence of independent candidates, the healthy competition they bring to the policy-making arena. Awami League's general secretary, Obaidul Quader, assured that no punitive measures will be taken against those who support independent candidates.

Two seats in Dhaka are currently being dominated by independent candidates, while the party nominee is facing difficulties. In the Dhaka-18 constituency, independent candidate Khosru Chowdhury has surpassed the Grand Alliance nominated candidate Sherifa Quader. Khosru Chowdhury holds the position of Industry and Commerce Secretary for Dhaka Metropolitan North Awami League and has garnered support from Awami League leaders and activists in the area. He is also leading in terms of campaigning. On the other hand, in the Dhaka-19 constituency, former MP Talukdar Tauhid Jang Murad, an independent candidate, is challenging Enamur Rahman. Murad, who hails from Savar, has already initiated his campaign, particularly highlighting his involvement in the aftermath of the Rana Plaza collapse. Additionally, independent candidates are also in a strong position in Dhaka-4 and Dhaka-5 constituencies.

Strong independent candidates in two of the four seats of Faridpur: In Faridpur-3 seat, Abdul Quader Azad (AK Azad), an adviser and businessman from the same committee, is competing against Shamim Haque, the president of the District Awami League. However, it seems that Shamim Haque has become less active after initially making a significant impact during the campaign. It is believed that administrative pressure and the attitude of the people have taken a toll on him. Nevertheless, independent candidates generally have a favorable position in this seat.

Moving on to the Faridpur-4 seat, Jubo League presidium member Mujibur Rahman Chowdhury (Nixon) is challenging Kazi Zafar Ullah, the co-chairman of Awami League's election management committee. Nixon has previously chosen to run as an independent candidate in the last two elections, which has caused some setbacks. The locals predict that this time as well, his decision to go independent will lead to a similar outcome.

Heavyweight candidate of Awami League are facing challenges for independent candidate in Madaripur: In the Madaripur-2 constituency, Abdus Sobhan Golap, the Publicity and Publication Secretary of Awami League and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, is being challenged by Tahmina Begum, the President of Kalkini Upazila Awami League, who is running as an independent candidate. The local residents are already expressing their discontent with Golap. To cover their election expenses, laborers and daily wage workers are gathering 100-200 taka. They assert that Golap, the boat candidate, does not visit the area and cannot be found. They are in search of a candidate who truly represents their interests and values.

Similarly, in Gopalganj-1 constituency, which is considered Awami League's stronghold, independent candidates are dominating the political landscape. The Awami League candidate is facing a formidable challenge. Kabir Mia, a former chairman of Muksudpur Upazila Parishad and a member of Awami League presidium, is competing against Colonel (retd.) Farooq Khan. Despite the presence of three other candidates, the boat symbol is prominently displayed in the polling field. Farooq Khan, who has been elected as an MP five times, embraces this competition. However, his opponents argue that they are unable to locate the boat-candidate and therefore, they yearn for a change.

Comilla district is facing a tough competition in four out of its 11 seats: In most areas, the individual candidates are dominating the side boat candidates. In Comilla-2 Constituency, independent candidate Homna Upazila Awami League President Principal Abdul Majeed, along with current Member of Parliament Selima Ahmad Meri, is a strong contender. This senior Awami League leader enjoys significant popularity in the area, causing anxiety among the boat candidates in the Mary camp. The Awami League candidate for the Comilla-4 seat is current MP Razi Mohammad Fakhrul, who faces a strong rival in Abul Kalam Azad, former chairman of Devidwar Upazila Parishad and organizing secretary of Comilla North District Awami League.

In Comilla-7, the boat candidate is the current MP Professor Dr. Muntakim Ashraf Titu, son of the late MP Professor Ali Ashraf and President of Chandina Upazila Awami League, along with Pran Gopal Dutta. Titu holds a strong organizational position. In Comilla-11 constituency, former municipal mayor and independent candidate Mizanur Rahman has posed a good challenge to Mujibul Haque.

Gazipur district has emerged as a strong contender in four constituencies with independent candidates vying for victory: The competition is particularly intense in Gazipur-5 and Gazipur-3 seats. Akhtaruzzaman, a former VP and independent candidate from Daksu, is challenging Meher Afroz Chumki in Gazipur-5. Meanwhile, former MP Iqbal Hossain Sabuj is giving a tough fight to Rumana Ali in the Gazipur-3 seat.

Independents are also dominating position in other constituencies, including three seats in Pirojpur, as well as two seats each in Patuakhali and Barisal. In Chandpur headquarters, former MP and District Awami League General Secretary Samsul Haque Bhuiya is running as an independent candidate alongside Education Minister Dipu Moni. In Chittagong-1 constituency, Gias Uddin, a strong independent candidate and former upazila chairman, is up against Mahbubur Rahman, son of former minister engineer Mosharraf Hossain. Barrister Syedul Haque Sumon is putting pressure on State Minister for Aviation Mahbub Ali in Chunarughat, Madhavpur, Habiganj. Lastly, Professor Anwar Hossain, brother of a former MP, is giving a tough competition to Awami League's organizing secretary Ahmed Hossain in Netrokona-5 constituency.

Aminul Haque (Shamim), the elder brother of the City Mayor, is running as a candidate in the Mymensingh-4 seat against Mahitur Rahman Shanta, the son of the late Minister of Religion. Meanwhile, Dhallywood actress Mahia Mahi is competing against Omar Farooq Chowdhury, a three-time MP from the Awami League, in the Rajshahi-1 constituency with a truck symbol. Currently, he has a greater advantage in his campaign efforts.