Staff Reporter: The Bangladesh Society, the largest social organization in New York in the United States, has spread the electoral fervor to the entire Bangladeshi community in New York. Electoral wind is blowing everywhere. The Bangladeshi inhabited areas are becoming very active. The day-long election will be held on Sunday, November 14.
The biennial election of Bangladesh Society was supposed to be held on October 21, 2018. But the much-discussed election of the Bangladesh Society, which was suspended due to the unpleasant situation, lawsuits and epidemics caused by the cancellation of the nomination of two members of a panel by the Election Commission, is going to be held almost two years later.
In this election, two panels ‘Rab-Ruhul’ and ‘Nayan-Ali’ are directly competing. Thirty-eight candidates are vying for 19 seats on the executive council, including two panels. Voting will take place at five polling stations in New York and the Election Commission (EC) has made all the preparations.
Regarding the election of Bangladesh Society, Chief Election Commissioner Jamal U Ahmed said, “It is a great thing that I am able to get elected after overcoming various obstacles.” I want to forget the mistakes of the past. The Election Commission is conducting the elections in accordance with the constitution and bylaws of the society from 100% neutral. I hope everyone will be able to give the gift of fair, free and neutral election. For this he sought the overall cooperation of all quarters.He said polling would be held at five centers in the city. All preparations have been completed for this.
The main polling station will be at Gulshan Terrace in Queens. There will also be other polling stations at the Icara Center in Jamaica, PS79 in Brooklyn, the Desi Center in Ozone Park and the Golden Palace in the Bronx.
Meanwhile, the two panels ‘Rab-Ruhul’ and ‘Nayan-Ali’, which are facing each other on the election field, are conducting massive campaigns and rallies. Apart from the well-known meetings of the candidates, mass communication is also going on through piecemeal meetings and social media. Two-panel Rang Bay Rang posters have been put up at important places in the city inhabited by Bangladeshis.
Former president of Greater Noakhali Samiti Rab Mia alias Abdur Rab is contesting from the ‘Rob-Ruhul’ panel and Ruhul Amin Siddiqui, the current general secretary of the society, is contesting for the same post again.
On the other hand, Kazi Ashraf Hossain Nayan, a prominent businessman from the ‘Nayan-Ali’ panel, is contesting for the post of president and Mohammad Ali, the current treasurer of the society, is contesting for the post of general secretary. Both panels have former and current officials involved with various social organizations in the community. As a result, the election has been frozen. Some are also looking at the possibility of a tough fight in the election. However, according to the rules, there is no opportunity for a person to lead the organization for the post of president and general secretary of the society. As a result, it has been reported that Rab Mia, the candidate for the post of president of the ‘Rob-Ruhul’ panel, is contesting the election by resigning from the post of president of the Noakhali Samity.
BP/SM
