BNP-Jamaat and hill area parties feel that attempts are being made to create division in Khagrachhari to ensure victory for the ruling party.
Nine upazilas in Khagrachhari make one seat and the total number of voters is 441,068 persons. There are an additional 60,000 voters this time. In 2008 and 2014 elections, AL candidates won in Khagrachari. In 1996 and 2001, BNP candidate Wadud Bhuiyan won the seat.
Since 2001, UPDF candidates have been competing as independent contestants.
In the last election, UPDF founder Proshit Bikash Khisa lost but UPDF won four upazila chairman posts out of nine.
Therefore, UPDF is a strong opponent for AL and BNP in the next election.
Khagrachari AL president and current MP, Kujendra Lal Tripura, says: “after the peace treaty of 1997 engineered by the PM, there is prosperity in the hill areas.”
With development in education, health and social services, there is peace everywhere, he asserted.
BNP’s district president and former MP, Wadud Bhuiyan, said, “The ruling party wants to complete a one party election by repressing BNP leaders and activists.”
Saying that free and fair election is not possible under the current regime, he expressed fears of violence.
District Jatiya Party joint convener, Manindra Lal Tripura, said, “The current situation is conducive and, if this persists, then Jatiya Party will win.”
Whether UPDF will take part in the election or not will be declared after decision by top leaders, informed district UPDF publicity and publication secretary, Niron Chakma.
He claims that the ruling party is trying to repress UPDF by instigating rogue elements of JSS and UPDF.
With abduction, killings and enforced disappearances, UPDF leaders are forced to leave the area, he complained.
Meanwhile, district police SP, Ahmaruzzaman, said, “The district is peaceful and the law enforcers are determined to ensure security and rule of law.”
People trying to create anarchy will not be spared, he assured.