Electioneering in the country has gained momentum with political parties campaigning almost round the clocks More arches have been erected on vital points of the city roads.

Most leaders have left the city and arc slaying in their own constituencies to personally supervise polls campaign. The k-adcrlcss capital is being dominated by party candidates and activists who arc bringing torch processions, holding rallies and public meetings.

Election camps have been set up. in most eases, side by side. Microphones are being used by the party activists from the same places almost throughout the day. One group is trying to jam the microphone of the other group creating a chaotic situation.

Awami League president Sheikh H&sina is now on a tour of the northern districts while BNP chief Begum Khaleda Zia has gone to the southern dis tricts. Other prominent lead ers arc also touring the districts to promote their propaganda work.

This year's polls arc characterised by the fact that the whole process of electioneering is not confined to public meetings and processions. Party candidates arc choosing house-to-house approach to impress voters than to hold upto the remotest corners of rural areas

In the eketion race, women are not lagging behind. Latest reports show that 33 women arc contesting the parliamentary elections Originally 46 women submitted their nominations.

According to Election Commissioner sources. 90 political parties have taken election symbols. But it la not clear how many parties have finally been drawn Into the election battle. A conservative *taltslics say 75 parties have been Contesting the elections. Out of them. 19 parties have no candidates but have taken symbols. Fifteen parties have only one candidates each. Eight other parties have only two candidates. This suggests a forlorn look of tjjc strength of many 'grassroot' political parlies which registered a mushroom growth in the country over the years.

Widespread confusion Is also prevailing among the parties of the electoral alliances over the Issue of symbol.

Only 24 days arc left for holding the parliamentary polls. The present trend of electioneering suggests that the campaign will be more intensified with each day passing. It Is a healthy sign that no major violence took place in the city yet.