The by-election of Pabna-4 constituency (Ishwardi-Atgharia) of the JatiyaSangsad will be held on Saturday. At the last moment of the campaign, the area is busy with election discussions.
The Awami League has held the seat for 25 consecutive years, whereas BNP candidate hopes to regain the seat he has lost.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission has made all preparations for the vote. This time the ballot papers will be sent to the polling booths on the morning of the first polling day. Pabna-4 seat is geographically and economically important due to the railway junction, EPZ as well as the country's most expensive Rooppur nuclear power project under construction.
The total number of voters in Pabna-4 constituency comprising two municipalities and 12 unions of Ishwardi and Atghariaupazilas is 3 lakh 81 thousand 112 people. There are 129 polling stations. Former Land Minister Shamsur Rahman Sharif Dilu, a Member of Parliament from Pabna-4 constituency, died on April 2 and the Election Commission declared the seat vacant. 18 people of Awami League fought to get nomination from the seat. Finally, the party nominated IshwardiUpazila Chairman Bir MuktijoddhaNuruzzaman Biswas.
Habibur Rahman Habib, advisor to the party's chairperson from the BNP, and Rezaul Karim Khokon, an active member of the district committee from the Jatiya Party, were nominated. There are three candidates in the field for this important seat in the national economy.
Veteran Awami League leader Shamsur Rahman Sharif Dilu was elected from this seat five times in a row. From the time he got the ministry till the moment before his death, the family members of the land minister became involved in terrorism, land grabbing and bidding.
However, the Awami League candidate is 100% optimistic about winning the upcoming by-elections. Local Awami League leaders and workers claim that no party will take responsibility for the corruption of any individual or family. Voters will win the boat candidate to keep up with the trend of development.
Meanwhile, Awami League and BNP have clashed before the vote. Candidates from both the parties claimed that even if the clash took place in front of the central leaders, it would not have any effect on the election. Pabna Senior District Election Officer Abdul Latif Sheikh said that various measures have been taken to motivate the voters to go to the polling booths to gain their confidence. It is hoped that the turnout will be satisfactory.