Dhaner shish again in polls race after 19 yrs

BNP's election symbol dhaner shish (sheaf of paddy) has appeared in the polls race in Pabna Sadar and Santhia upazilas under the district after long 19 years, much to the happiness of the party supporters centring today's municipality polls.

In 1996 parliamentary elections, Rafikul Islam Bokul was elected lawmaker from BNP with dhaner shish symbol in Pabna-5 (Pabna Sadar) constituency while BNP candidate Monjur Quader, who took part in the election from the same party in Pabna-2 (Bera-Santhia), was defeated.

In 2001 parliamentary election, there was no candidate with this symbol as BNP-led four-party alliance nominated Abdus Subhan in Pabna Sadar and Motiur Rahman Nizami was nominated for Pabna-2 constituency with the symbol daripalla (balance scale).

The national election in 2008 saw the same situation.

"As no candidate contested with dhaner shish symbol in Santhia for the last 19 years, many new voters are not acquainted with it. Now the local government election is going to be held with participation of party-nominated candidates. And so, BNP men are contesting with the party symbol dhaner shish," said Habibur Rahman, a resident of Santhia Bazar area.

"People of Pabna Sadar and Santhia are happy to see BNP symbol dhaner shish again after many years," said Johurul Islam, office secretary of the district unit of BNP.