AL candidates control polls campaign

A number of candidates nominated by opposition BNP and Jatiya Party for the municipality polls slated for December 30 have reportedly stepped down, refrained from campaigning and gone into hiding in many places in the face of obstruction and intimidation unleashed by ruling Awami League nominated aspirants or its rebel contestants.

According to sources, BNP nominated mayoral candidate for Satkania municipality in Chittagong Haji Rafiqul Alam announced withdrawal of his candidature on Sunday. Besides, Jatiya Party mayoral candidate for the same seat Md Yusuf is likely to withdraw his candidacy today.

In Naria of Shariatpur, BNP mayoral aspirant Rezaur Rahman is learnt to have withdrawn his candidature for the same reason. Independent candidate Mosleuddin has followed suit.

The opposition candidates in other parts of the country have become cornered due to the pressure from the ruling party contestants and their supporters.

A lawmaker of the ruling party reportedly announced bounty for the attackers on the BNP and Jatiya Party. As a result, many opposition candidates have gone into hiding. BNP candidates held press conference in various places casting their doubt over free and fair polls. This is the case with opposition candidates in Rangunia, Patia, Mirsarai, Shitakunda, Laxipur-4, Barisal, Narshingdi and Pirojpur.