The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Rangpur

Local observers are expecting tough contests in most of the parliamentary constituencies in greater Rangpur and Dinajpur districts as campaigning reaches at the peak.

Though a total of 149 candidates are vying for the 33 parliamentary seats in these eight districts, the fight might remain confined among the grand alliance and four- party alliance in most of the seats.

Besides, some independent candidates might set strong contests to the grand alliance and four-party candidates in some constituencies, local observers said only eight days ahead of the December 29 polls.

Interesting contests might take place in Rangpur-4, Rangpur-5, Kurigram-4, Gaibandha-5 and Nilphamri-4 constituencies where the stronger Awami League candidates are in the race side by side with the Mohajyote candidates from Jatiyo Party (JP).

The common voters, farmers, day- and farm-labourers, distressed people, new voters including youths and students, professionals are seemed to vote for the most educated and efficient candidates with clean backgrounds.

The candidates and conscious voters guess that the elected MPs will have no scopes to avoid the common people after the general elections because of the level of consciousness now has been raised among all to a great extent.

There might be strong contests between Jamiruddin Sircar (BNP) and Mazharul Huq Pradhan (AL) in Panchagarh-1 and in Panchagarh-2, the contests might remain confined between Nurul Islam Sujon (AL) and Md Mojahar Hossain (BNP), observers said.

In Thakurgaon-1, contests between Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir (BNP) and Ramesh Chandra Sen (AL), in Thakurgaon-2, between Mohammad Dabirul Islam (AL) and Abdul Hakim (Jamaat) and in Thakurgaon-3, between Zahidur Rahman Zahid (BNP) and Hafiz Uddin Ahmed (JP) are expected.

While in Dinajpur-1, contests will remain between Manoranjan Sheel Gopal (AL) and Mohammad Hanif (Jamaat), in Dinajpur-2, between Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury (AL) and Lieutenant General (Retd) Mahbubur Rahman (BNP) and in Dinajpur-3, between Iqbalur Rahim (AL) and Shafiul Alam Pradhan (Jagpa-BNP).

In Dinajpur-4, contests between AH Mahmud Ali (AL), Akhtaruzzaman (BNP) and Mizanur Rahman Manu (Ind), in Dinajpur-5, between Mostafizur Rahman Fizar (AL) and AZM Rezwanul Huq (BNP) and in Dinajpur-6, between Mohammad Anwarul Islam (Jamaat), Delwar Hossain JP might occur. But, in Nilphamari-1, trilateral contest might be among Rafiqul Islam (BNP), Jafar Iqbal Siddiqui (JP) and Shafiqul Gani Swapan (NAP) and in Nilphamari-2, bilateral contests between Asaduzzaman Noor (AL) and Moniruzzman Montu (Jamaat) expected. In Nilphamari-3, contests between Kazi Faruq Kader (JP) and Azizul Islam (Jamaat) and in Nilphamari-4, between Amzad Hossain Sarker (BNP) and Colonel (Retd) Maruf Saklain (AL) and Shawkot Chowdhury (JP) are expected. In Lalmonirhat-1, the contest might be between Motahar Hossain (AL) and Habibur Rahman (Jamaat), in Lalmonirhat-2, between Saleh Uddin Ahmed Khan (BNP) and Mojibur Rahman (JP) and in Lalmonirhat-3, the race might be between Asadul Habib Dulu (BNP) and GM Quader (JP). While in Rangpur-1, there will be contests among Mokbul Hossain Shahrier (JP), Muhammad Abdul Gani (Jamaat) and Anwarul Islam (Ind), in Rangpur-2, between Anisul Islam Mandol (JP), ATM Azharul Islam (Jamaat) and Mohammad Ali Sarkar (Ind). In Rangpur-3, unnoticeable contests might be between very strong candidate VVIP Alhaj HM Ershad (JP) and Abdul Quayum Mandal (BNP) and in Rangpur-4, strong contests are expected among Tipu Munshi (AL), Karim Uddin Bharasa (JP), Md Rahim Uddin Bharasha (BNP) and Shah Alam (Ind). In Rangpur-5, tri-lateral contests are expected among HN Ashikur Rahman (AL), SM Fakruzzaman (JP) and Shah Mohammad Hafizur Rahman (Jamaat) and in Rangpur-6, there will be a bilateral contest between VVIP Sheikh Hasina (AL) and Nur Mohammad Mandol (BNP). And in Kurigram-1, bilateral contests are expected between AKM Mostafizur Rahman (JP) and Saifur Rahman Rana (BNP), in Kurigram-2, between VVIP Alhaj HM Ershad (JP) and Tajul Islam Chowdhury (BNP). In Kurigram-3, contests are expected between Maidul Islam (JP) and Matiur Rahman (BNP) and in Kurigram-4, contests might occur among Iman Ali (Ind), Golam Habib Dulal (JP), Nur Alam Mukul (Jamaat) and Zakir Hossain (AL). While in Gaibandha-1, contests between Colonel (Retd) Abdul Quader Khan (JP) and Abdul Aziz (Jamaat), in Gaibandha-2, between Mahbub Ara Guinea (AL) and Commodore (Retd) Shafiqur Rahman (BNP) are expected. In Gaibandha-3, contests between TIM Fazley Rabbi Chowdhury (JP) and Nazrul Islam (Jamaat), in Gaibandha-4, between Monwar Hossain Chowhdury (AL) and Abdur Rahim Sarkar (Jamaat) and in Gaibandha-5, among Fazle Rabbi Mia (AL), Rawshan Ershad (JP) and Hasan Ali (BNP) are expected, local observers said.