168 vie for 39 JS seats in eight N-dists

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RAJSHAHI, Dec 12(BSS): The candidates belonging to different political parties as well as alliances started their formal election campaign today in 16 northern districts under Rajshahi division keeping in view the December 29 parliamentary polls.
In the city, Mohajote (Grand Alliance) candidate for Rajshahi-2 constituency Fazley Hossain Badsha along with the alliance's front ranking leaders launched his campaign through a press conference at the city office of the Awami League (AL) this morning. Later they placed wreaths at the mazar of Shaheed AHM Quamruzzaman at the Hatemkha graveyard.
Officials of the Rajshahi Regional Election Office told the news agency here today that a total of 168 candidates were in the race for the upcoming general election in 39 parliamentary seats in eight northern districts under Rajshahi, Bogra and Pabna.
The election officials said they have been making all-out efforts for holding the polls in a free, fair, transparent, impartial and credible manner as per the directives of the Election Commission (EC). The respective district election offices have already completed the task of allocating polls' symbols among the contenders, they said.
Meanwhile, the election campaign has started getting momentum in both urban and rural areas, especially in and around tea-stalls and public places, soon after the candidates got confirmation of their candidatures on the last day of the withdrawal of nominations yesterday (Thursday).
The voters, especially at the grassroots level, are discussing mainly honesty, moral character, background and educational qualifications of the candidates for the ninth parliamentary polls.
Acting Deputy Election Commissioner (DEC) Syed Muhammad Musa said concerned officials and employees at all levels in eight districts have been working relentlessly for holding the polls peacefully.
Selections of election officials, polling centres and booths, and allocation of transparent ballot boxes have already been completed for these 39 constituencies, he added.