The Dhaka Times Desk Even though there is no central directive about not participating in the upazila elections, extensive preparations are being observed at the grassroots level.
BNP's field level leaders have started preparing to participate in the elections after the announcement of the upazila parishad election schedule. Now the aspirants are only waiting for the central instructions of the party.
It is known that the 18-party alliance led by BNP will field a single candidate for the post of upazila chairman and vice chairman. It is being said that the field level leaders will be given instructions to give a single candidate in each upazila after discussing with the policy making forum, standing committee members, vice chairman, advisor to the chairperson, joint secretary general, organizational secretary and top leaders of the alliance.
On the other hand, the Election Commission will announce the schedule of the second round of upazila elections on Thursday. In such a situation, a wind of nationwide elections has started blowing. Many people think that the upazila elections will increase as the general public is not involved especially in the parliamentary elections.
On January 6, 2009, after the formation of the Awami League-led grand coalition government, the upazila elections were held on January 22. Then in that election 18 party alliance supported leaders participated in the election. But in most of the upazilas, the supporters of Awami League-led Grand Alliance won.
It should be noted that according to the schedule announced by the Election Commission last Sunday, elections will be held in 102 upazilas on February 19. The last date for submission of nomination papers for this election is January 25. Scrutiny is on January 27 and last date for withdrawal of candidature is February 3. BNP leaders are preparing in this short time. Someone at the grassroots level is also saying that they will be candidates even if they do not get instructions from the centre.
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