Nasir's debacle

By Jewel Ahmed Basabo, Dhaka
7 June 2005, 18:00 PM
Many blamed the Jamaat for Mir Nasir's debacle in CCC mayoral election. They argue that Jamaat supporters did not actually vote for Mir Nasir. In support of their argument they show the evidence that in many centres Mir Nasir polled fewer votes than Jamaat ward commissioner candidates. I do not know what actually happened. So I cannot conclude anything about claims and counter claims regarding Jamaat's behaviour in the CCC election.

Recently, in Rajshahi Jamaat workers conference, local level Jamaat leaders openly criticised BNP MPs for corruption and nepotism. They claimed that rural people are angry at what BNP activists are doing. I am afraid that these Jamaat supporters may not vote for the candidates of the BNP in the next general elections.

These days Jamaat leaders are trying to explain that the objective of the four party alliance is to counter Awami League, not establishing Islam in the country. I guess that many Jamaat activists voted in 2001 elections in order to establish Islam in Bangladesh. I remember that in 2001 Islamic leaders preached that Islam was in danger under Awami League rule. Jamaat supporters will certainly be frustrated with what Jamaat leaders are saying now.