As the 12th parliamentary elections approach, the electoral atmosphere in Manikganj-2 constituency is becoming increasingly heated. The conflict between Awami League candidate Momtaz Begum and District Awami League independent candidate Dewan Zahid Ahmed Tulu has taken a public turn. Cases and counter-cases are being filed between the workers. This has divided the party's leaders and workers.
It is learned that after Momtaz Begum became the Awami League candidate, senior leaders including the district president and general secretary could not field her in the election field on her behalf. As a result, the ruling party is suffering.
Current MP and Singair Upazila Awami League President Momtaz Begum was elected as a member of parliament from the reserved women's seat in the National Parliament from the Awami League in the 2008 election. Then she was elected as a member of parliament in 2014 and 2018 with the boat symbol. This time, she received the party nomination in the 12th National Parliament election as well. Meanwhile, District Awami League Treasurer Dewan Zahid Ahmed Tulu is contesting as an independent candidate with the truck symbol instead of seeking party nomination this time.
After researching and talking to Trinamool leaders and activists, it has been learned that conflicts have arisen between these two candidates since they sought party nomination. As the election approaches, the conflict is becoming more apparent.
District Awami League Relief and Social Welfare Secretary and Harirampur Upazila Parishad Chairman Dewan Saidur Rahman said that party leaders and activists are disappointed with Momtaz Begum's activities. Despite being the party's candidate in this election due to her poor past performance, 70 percent of the leaders and activists of Singair and Harirampur Upazila Awami League and its associate organizations are not with her. In addition, 20 chairmen of 27 unions in the constituency are working for independent candidate Zahid, leaving Momtaz's side.
In this regard, Shahidur Rahman, general secretary of Singair Upazila Awami League and chief election coordinator of the party candidate, told Samakal that the party leaders and activists who hold party posts and are working for independent candidates instead of party candidates have been sold out to the money of independent candidates. In addition, the reason why the district Awami League president and general secretary have not yet contested the election for party candidates is also money. Party candidate Momtaz Begum could not pay the money as per the demands of those leaders.
Shahidur Rahman further alleged that many leaders in the district are threatening Trinamool leaders for not working for the party candidate. Even if there is conflict between party leaders and activists, there is no impact on the party's favor on the field. Because the voters say that even if the leaders play for money, they will vote for them.
Litigation and counter-litigation
On Sunday afternoon, supporters of the Awami League candidate attacked supporters of an independent candidate in Harirampur Upazila Sadar. Three workers of the independent candidate were injured in the attack. The next day, supporters of the two candidates held separate processions at the same place in the Upazila Sadar. This created a tense situation in the Upazila Sadar.
In this incident, two cases were filed against the followers of the Awami League candidate at Harirampur Police Station on Monday by two followers of the independent candidate. In addition, a case was filed against the followers of the independent candidate by a follower of the boat candidate. There is still tension between the workers of the two candidates in Harirampur over this incident.
On Tuesday morning, the temporary election camp of an Awami League candidate was set on fire in the Bairagirtek area of Saesta Union in Singair Upazila. That afternoon, his followers were distributing small posters (handbills) with the truck symbol of the independent candidate in Irta village of Talebpur Union in Singair, seeking votes. At that time, Ali Iskander, a follower of Momtaz Begum and vice-president of the Upazila Awami League, threatened to shoot and cut off the workers of the independent candidate. The video of the incident went viral on social media. On Wednesday, Singair Upazila Election Officer Shariful Islam accused Ali Iskander in the incident as per the Representation of the People order.
On Tuesday evening, Farid Molla and Rifat Chowdhury, joint general secretaries of the Upazila Jubo League and boat workers, threatened to kill Shakhawat Hossain, an independent candidate's worker, in the Kauri area of Harirampur upazila. Shakhawat filed a case against Farid and Rifat and 20-25 other unidentified people in this incident.
Talking to Awami League leaders and activists, it is learnt that these incidents have created a tense situation in Manikganj-2 constituency out of the three constituencies in the district. Both the parties are optimistic about winning the election and neither is willing to make concessions. As the election approaches, the followers of the two candidates are becoming more belligerent. This is causing serious damage to the party.
In this regard, District Awami League President Golam Mohiuddin said that he is in the election field for the party candidate. He refused to comment on the allegations regarding the money.
