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Download PDF A photo finish in the mayoral race is likely between Awami League (AL)-backed Shawkat Hossain Hiron and expelled BNP leader Ahsan Habib Kamal in the Barisal City Corporation (BCC) election on August 4.
However, voters say that the number of votes four-party-backed Ebayedul Haque Chan bags will actually dictate the outcome of the race. Voters and supporters of Hiron and Kamal predict that if Chan gets votes over 20,000 then it will help Hiron win.
The major political parties are split into groups over endorsing mayoral candidates.
A faction of the BNP-led alliance and a section of Ershad-led Jatiya Party (JP) endorsed Kamal ignoring four-party-backed Chan. However, another faction of the alliance last evening issued a statement extending support to Chan.
Another faction of JP is backing Hiron even though the four-party alliance leaders claim they are now united against Hiron.
Sources in the four-party alliance said JP and Jamaat are divided over endorsing mayoral candidates. A section of Jamaat is secretly backing mayoral candidate Sharfuddin Ahmed Santu.
Barisal City was in a festive mood yesterday as major mayoral candidates and a number of councillor candidates brought out large processions as part of their last minute campaign activities. They vowed to make Barisal a corruption- and crime-free city.
A total of 233 contenders including 10 mayoral candidates are in the race. Shawkat Hossain Hiron, Ahsan Habib Kamal, Enayet Peer Khan, Ebayedul Haque Chan and Sharfuddin Ahmed Santu are among the 10 running for the mayor’s office.
At least 184 candidates are running for 30 posts for councillors and 39 women are running for 10 councillors posts reserved for women.
HIRON’S AND KAMAL’S SHOW OF STRENGTH
Hiron and Kamal led separate processions in the city yesterday where thousands of people from all walks of life took part.
Hiron’s procession began at Sohel Chattar on Sadar Road around 4:40pm and paraded different streets with his supporters carrying posters, festoons, banners and replica of a television, electoral symbol of Hiron. They chanted slogans seeking votes for him.
Addressing a brief rally prior to the procession, Hiron promised to make the BCC corruption free if he is voted to office. He also promised a drug- and crime-free city.
Kamal’s procession began around 5:30pm at Barisal City College. His supporters had set up a stage in front of Ashwini Kumar Town Hall but police removed it for not having prior permission.
Following police directions, Kamal’s supporters moved the stage to the college and held a brief rally ahead of the procession. Kamal promised development of the city if voted to office.
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