BNP fears its election equation may backfire in Barishal

Barishal's BNP leaders are fearing that the party's decision to stay away from city elections may work in contrary to their political calculations and may end up giving Islami Andolan an upper hand over their party in the city.  

BNP leaders believe they have the majority votes in Barishal and would win in any election if it is free and fair.

However, assisting Islami Andolan to win against the ruling party in the city polls may trigger a situation where BNP may end up losing Barishal Sadar constituency in the national election, said BNP leaders seeking anonymity. 

They may not recover that seat again, they feared. 

"Though we will not vote in the city, our eyes will be on its results as it is related to the city's politics for the future." said a Jubo Dal leader.

"I believe BNP men will never cast a vote for the Islami Andolan candidate," the leader said.

"I will only vote for the pro-BNP candidate seeking the councillor post. If I must, I will vote against Islami Andolan," said Mamun, a BNP supporter in the city's Sagordi area. 

Meanwhile, independent mayoral candidate Kamrul Ahsan Rupon, the son of former mayor and city BNP president late Ahasan Habib

Kamal claimed that Bilkis Jahan Shirin, organising secretary (Barishal division) of the BNP, has been working for Awami League nominated candidate. 

"Shirin told the BNP leaders to work for the ruling party candidate so that Rupom can't win," Rupon said at a press conference on Saturday.

Denying the allegations, Shirin said that Rupon is a little boy and he was out of control. "It seems that Rupon is mad and speaks like a madman." 

Besides, Awami League nominated mayoral candidate Khokon Serniabat said he would get the votes of BNP supporters when he was speaking with the media in an interview earlier. 

"We welcome votes from BNP supporters," said Talukder Mohammad Yunus, secretary of Bangladesh Awami League, Barishal district unit.   

"As the Barishal city dwellers want the development of the city and BNP supporters are also the city dwellers, they can choose the right candidate for the development," he said.

"I believe Khokon Serniabat is the best choice for all," he added.