Abu Jakir: In a fervent display of political engagement, the Awami League (AL) has embarked on a significant milestone today by initiating the sale of nomination papers for the upcoming 12th parliamentary polls.
The anticipation surrounding this event has reached a fever pitch, with palpable enthusiasm emanating from the AL headquarters at Bangabandhu Avenue.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is also the president of the AL, kicked off the event on Friday, collecting her nomination paper physically from the AL headquarters by depositing 50,000 Taka. Leaders and supporters alike have converged in substantial numbers, creating an electric atmosphere that mirrors the significance of this crucial step in the lead-up to the upcoming elections slated for January 7 next year.
The initiation of the nomination paper sale marks not only a strategic move for the AL but also underscores the party's commitment to active participation in the democratic process. A significant number of party leaders and workers gathered at the headquarters, underscoring the importance of the impending elections, marking a pivotal moment in the electoral process for the Awami League, one of the leading political forces in the country.
Meanwhile, a cloud of frustration hangs over the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) headquarters with the Election Commission unveiling poll details on Wednesday. BNP's rejection sets the stage for a potential escalation in political tensions, adding a layer of complexity to an already charged electoral atmosphere.
Protesting the announcement of the election schedules by the Election Commission for the 12th National Parliament Election, the main opposition BNP announced a two-day-long strike for Sunday and Monday.
At Dhaka's Bangabandhu Avenue, the central office of the ruling party, Awami League (AL), was abuzz with activity as party leaders and workers gathered in large numbers. In contrast, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party's (BNP) office in Naya Paltan, Dhaka, remained sealed off, with no leaders or workers in sight. The presence of police and intelligence agency personnel was noticeable, and BNP leaders cited the fear of arrests as the reason behind the absence of anyone at the party office.
The Chief Election Commissioner, Kazi Habibul Awal, announced the details of the 12th National Parliament Election on Wednesday evening, revealing that the voting would take place on January 7. The deadline for submitting nomination papers, as per the announcement, is November 30. The Awami League has announced that they will commence the distribution of nomination forms starting from tomorrow.
Meanwhile, BNP continues its ongoing programs of protests. The party declared the end of its blockade today, and they may announce a new program in the evening. Earlier, BNP and its allied organizations had called for a 48-hour nationwide strike starting from Sunday.
As BNP maintains its blockade, Awami League leaders and workers have positioned themselves in a 'peaceful assembly' near the AL central office in Dhaka. Similar gatherings are observed in front of the party's central offices nationwide. To support those participating in the activities near the AL central office, the voluntary youth organization associated with the party has arranged for food.
In the Naya Paltan area, where the BNP central office is located, the police presence is evident. Since the onset of political unrest on October 28, following BNP's grand rally, police have initiated actions against the party. The central secretary-general of BNP, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, was arrested the next day, leading to the arrest of many central, district, and grassroots leaders of the party. Most BNP leaders are currently in hiding.
The BNP central office has been under lock and key since the start of the political turmoil. On Tuesday, the barricades on both sides of the office were removed. However, BNP leaders insist that no one is going to the office due to the fear of arrests. At Thursday noon, in New Paltan, it was observed that the main gate of the BNP office is still padlocked. Law enforcement personnel are maintaining a vigilant presence on the road in front of the office, and intelligence agency members are conducting surveillance.
