SCC Election: Candidates` `London Connection` in Discussion

Sylhet and London; Despite the great distance in geographical location, these two cities share a great affinity. When elections come, this affinity increases. London's influence increased in Sylhet elections. Residents of London have become one of the most skilled in the election.

This time is no exception. When Sylhet City Corporation elections are near, the 'London connection' of potential candidates is discussed again.

Awami League and BNP potential candidates for the mayoral post are busy in settling accounts in London ahead of the city elections. One is in the field after receiving the green signal. The two leaders are staying in London to settle accounts. Those close to them said that they will shorten the trip and return soon.

United Kingdom Awami League Joint General Secretary Anwaruzzaman Chowdhury is plowing the field after coming to Sylhet from London. He is campaigning as a potential candidate of Awami League for the post of mayor in the city elections. On the other hand, BNP leader City Mayor Ariful Haque Chowdhury went to London on a personal visit. Various discussions are going on about this.

If the London connection matures, he could be a mayoral candidate - his followers think. City Awami League candidate General Secretary Professor Md. Zakir Hossain is also staying in London.

Zakir's supporters say many of his colleagues in London encouraged him to contest the elections. Close people are waiting for his return.

Anwaruzzaman Chowdhury returned to the country on January 22. On that day, he came to the city from Osmani Airport in a motorcycle procession with thousands of workers and supporters. At that time, Central Awami League organizing secretary Shafiul Alam Chowdhury Nadel and Sylhet-3 Constituency Member of Parliament Habibur Rahman were present. After that, Anwaruzzaman met party president Sheikh Hasina and general secretary Obaidul Quader. After meeting with them, the issue of candidacy became stronger.

However, eight leaders of the local Awami League are in the field to be the mayoral candidate ahead of the Sylhet City Corporation election. They are - the former organizing secretary of the Central Awami League, Advocate Misbah Uddin Siraj, the Vice President of the City Awami League, Asad Uddin Ahmed, the Vice President of the City Awami League, Muktijoddha Abdul Khaliq, the General Secretary Md. Zakir Hossain, Joint Secretary ATMA Hasan Zebul, Azadur Rahman Azad, Organizing Secretary Arman Ahmad Shiplu and Member Prince Sadruzzaman Chowdhury.

They are regularly participating in meetings and rallies in various areas and are campaigning for the post of mayor. One of them will get the party nomination – so far it was thought so. But that picture suddenly changed. As Anwaruzzaman went ahead in the race to get the party nomination, many people have been silent. But they did not give up. Their campaign is still being noticed in the city.

Anwaruzzaman Chowdhury is saying in public relations at various places, "He has entered the field after receiving high-level instructions. He has a long relationship with the city of Sylhet. If elected after receiving party nomination, work to make this city a digital and ideal city. However, a statement from the city Awami League has said that nothing has been finalized about the candidacy yet.

City Awami League president Masuk Uddin Ahmad said in this regard, the party's candidate for the city election has not been finalized yet. They will stand for whomever the party nominates. Meanwhile, General Secretary of Awami League went to London a month and a half after making a statement to clear confusion about Awami League candidate. Zakir Hossain. He went to London on March 27. Before going to London, he mentioned in the press release that he will return to the country on April 10 after shortening his visit for the city elections.

There are many rumors in the Awami League about his visit to London before the elections. Some say that he went to London on the advice of many advisors of Awami League there. A person close to him, who did not want to be named, said that many influential leaders had a discussion with Zakir Hossain about the Sylhet city elections in London. Many suggested him to be elected. Zakir Hussain's selection will be clear after he returns from London.

Sisik Mayor Ariful Haque Chowdhury left for London a day before the announcement of election schedule last Sunday. There are many discussions about going to London for personal work without complete rest after getting a heart ring.

Some say that if BNP goes to the polls, Mayor Ariful Haque will be the candidate. If the BNP does not go to the polls, he may be nominated by the civil society. He supported the party leaders and workers in various ways. Apart from this he has contributed in making every big gathering a success. Sources close to Ariful Haque said that although he is active in the ongoing movement of BNP, he is preparing for the election in his own way. At the last moment he will understand the situation and take action. As a part of that activity, he went to London to convince the leader of the party, Tariq Rahman.

Nagar BNP president Nasim Hossain said that till now they have not received any instructions from the center regarding the elections. No election will be fair under this government; So they don't want to participate in any election. Nasim Hossain said in response to the question, what will be the party's position if BNP does not elect a candidate in the city elections? So they have no headache about it. Those who go outside the party and take part in the elections, must understand that they are opportunists.

Another influential leader of Sylhet BNP said that he is not seeing any BNP candidate except Arif. If anyone other than Arif is a candidate, the election will be simple. Awami League candidate will win without any fight. Then maybe the number of dummy candidates will be more.

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