BANGLADESH

Ruling Awami League's lack of a decision over Narayanganj City Corporation nominations has seen Shamim Osman and Selina Hayat Ivy centring the discussions, even on the last withdrawal date for contenders.

Multiple meetings regarding these two AL leaders, over the last week, failed to bring any results and it was said that the matter would be cleared up on Wednesday with an understanding that either Ivy or Osman would withdraw their nominations.

However, a lack of consensus between the two mayoral contenders will lead to both competing, which ruling party activists and supporters believe would hike the chances for BNP-backed contender Taimur Alam Khandker to secure the mayoral post.

Former parliamentarian Osman and mayor of the defunct Narayanganj municipality Ivy's competition have also centred Tuesday's talks about the polls.

Both the Awami League members went to Ganabhaban, the prime minister's official residence, on Monday evening to seek blessings from the party president Sheikh Hasina. They sat in separate meetings

"Having two party candidates will split the votes," joint general secretary Mahbub-ul-Alam Hanif said after the meetings, "Winning the election will be difficult. So we've advised one of them to withdraw their candidacy."

However, despite the party's insistence, both candidates were adamant that they would win the vital Narayanganj City Corporation (NCC) mayor polls, a source within the party said.

The two have held several meetings with top leaders amid warnings from the Election Commission about party interference in the city elections, which are stipulated to be 'non-partisan'.

"According to the electoral code of conduct, we cannot back any candidate. Wait until Oct 12," the joint general-secretary said.

The deadline for withdrawing nominations is 5pm on Wednesday. Candidates can withdraw their papers from Chashara Shahid Zia Hall. The polls will be held on Oct 30.

All eight nomination papers submitted for the mayorship were approved by the EC along with 311 nominations for contest for the post of Councillor and reserved seats.