By Abu Jakir
In an unexpected turn of events leading up to the 12th parliamentary elections, a wave of discontent is sweeping through the ruling Awami League, as a notable number of party leaders and former lawmakers who failed to secure party tickets have declared their intent to contest as independent candidates. This unprecedented move hints at a potential internal strife within the party, setting the stage for a unique political scenario where Awami League candidates may find themselves pitted against their own party members.
The discontent within the Awami League ranks stems from the party's decision to allow competent and popular leaders who did not receive official nominations to run independently. This decision, according to party sources, was prompted by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party's (BNP) decision to boycott the upcoming polls. In an effort to inject competition into the elections, Awami League President Sheikh Hasina reportedly gave the green light for independent candidacies.
While the party officially unveiled its slate of candidates during a recent press conference, insiders suggest a different narrative is unfolding behind the scenes. A significant number of Awami League leaders, feeling deprived of party tickets, are actively preparing to challenge the officially endorsed candidates in various constituencies, potentially leading to internal conflicts that could impact the party's unity.
One notable instance is in the Dhaka-2 constituency, where Keranigaj Upazial Chairman Shahin Ahmed declared his intention to contest against his own party's candidate, Advocate Quamrul Islam. When contacted, Shahin Ahmed cited Sheikh Hasina's approval for independent candidacies as his reason for entering the race.
Similar instances are cropping up in other constituencies. In Jessore-1, district Awami League joint secretary and municipality mayor Ashraful Alam Liton plans to contest against the party-nominated candidate Sheikh Afil Uddin. In Jessore-2, former MP and district Awami League joint secretary advocate Monirul Islam Monir will challenge the party's chosen candidate Mohammad Towhiduzzaman.
The trend is not confined to a few constituencies, as leaders like Jannatul Ferdous, Barrister Sayedul Haque Sumon, Jafar Alam, Dr. Murad Hasan, Mahiya Mahi, and others across the country are gearing up to contest as independent candidates after being denied party endorsements.
This internal strife poses a unique challenge for the Awami League, turning the January 7 general elections into a high-stakes showdown between Awami League and Awami League. The outcome of these contests may not only impact the electoral landscape but could also have far-reaching consequences for the ruling party's internal cohesion. As the election date approaches, all eyes will be on how the Awami League manages this unexpected challenge from within its own ranks.
