City elections have attracted particular attention in the country’s political sphere as they are being held months before the next national election. The real opposition – the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) – is not participating in the election, and the lack of competition shows little interest.
Only the Awami League and the Bangladesh Islami Movement are now major players in the fray, while the opposition Jatiya Party is somewhat active in the fray.
Expelled Mayor of Ghazipur Municipal Corporation Jahangir Alam has indicated that he may contest as an independent candidate. In addition, some BNP leaders have shown interest in contesting for mayoral posts in Ghazipur, Khulna and Sylhet. If strong candidates emerge from non-Awami League tents, the electoral fray will heat up.