Political Rift Looms Over Dhaka South Mayoral Race
A political conflict is growing between two alliance partners in Bangladesh. Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party (NCP) have both chosen different candidates for mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC). This move is causing discussions in political circles.
Jamaat-e-Islami has largely decided on Shadik Kayem. He is the current Vice-President of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU). Meanwhile, the NCP announced Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain as its candidate earlier. Mr. Bhuyain was an adviser to the interim government.
Mr. Mahmud is now a main policymaker for the NCP. He also serves as the party’s spokesperson. The NCP and Jamaat contested the last parliamentary election together. However, their choices for Dhaka South mayor show a disagreement.
Some observers believe the parties have failed to reach an understanding. Others think they are just naming candidates for now. The local government elections, including city corporation polls, are planned for late this year.
NCP sources say the party is preparing for these elections alone. They have not yet made decisions on alliances or sharing seats. Informal talks are happening with different political parties.
However, Jamaat’s choice of Shadik Kayem has worried Asif Mahmud’s supporters. Mr. Mahmud was a key figure in the July mass uprising. He was one of three student advisers in the interim government. He resigned in December last year to join the NCP.
A senior NCP leader said Jamaat had objected to supporting Mr. Mahmud before. They did not back him for the parliamentary election. This was due to allegations against him as an adviser. Now, a similar situation is happening for the city corporation election.
Another NCP leader said Mr. Mahmud had disagreed with Jamaat on some issues while in government. The NCP is currently preparing to contest elections independently. They have named mayoral candidates for five city corporations, including Dhaka South.
Asif Mahmud recently met with Maulana Mamunul Haque. Mr. Haque leads Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis. This party is also part of the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance. Their talks suggest they may work together. This is seen as important politically.
Asif Mahmud wants to contest the election. He believes an agreement will be reached for local government polls. This could be through a political alliance. It could also be an electoral arrangement.
The NCP leader said all possibilities remain open for alliances. Mr. Mahmud also has a good relationship with Maulana Mamunul Haque. The NCP aims to contest elections independently wherever possible. They want to compete in at least 70 percent of the seats.
