DHAKA: The ruling Awami League has failed to stop rebel candidates from challenging candidates backed by the party for the upcoming first phase of the fourth Upazila elections on February 19.
 
And that’s why the party is determined to field only one candidate per seat for the remaining phases. Work has begun at the grassroot level to achieve this goal.
 
Sources told banglanews that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina discussed the issue at the February 3 cabinet meeting and issued instructions.
 
The policy makers of the party think that Awami League formed the government with a clear majority but if their candidates lose in the Upazila elections, it will send a negative message.  
 
To avoid an embarrassing situation, the party wants to ensure victory of their candidates and that’s why it is trying to convince dissidents to refrain from contesting in the next five phases and support the party`s official candidates.
 
Awami League presidium member Mohammad Nasim told banglanews, “We have very little time in hand before the first phase. We have failed to convince rebel candidates to withdraw from the fray."
 
But the party will take disciplinary action against rebel candidates, he warned.
 
Awami League Joint General Secretary (Rajshahi Division) Abu Sayeed-Al-Mahmud Swapan also criticised rebel candidates.
 
Organizing Secretary Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury (Rangpur Division) told banglanews, “According to PM`s instructions, we are trying to convince rebel candidates to step back. But if they defy the party, disciplinary steps will be taken against them."
 
According to the Election Commission, the first and second phase of upazila elections will be held on February 19 and 27. The third phase is scheduled for March 15 and the fourth in the last week of March.
 
The EC said that voting in 487 Upazilas will be over by July.

BDST: 1245 HRS, FEB 07, 2014