Gazipur candidates pledge to fight graft
All the seven candidates of mayoral posts in Gazipur City Corporation election at a programme yesterday pledged that if elected, they would turn the city corporation office into a corruption-free one by ensuring better service for the city residents.
The mayoral hopefuls including the candidates from the two arch rival parties -- ruling Awami League and BNP -- also promised that they would not allow black money and muscle power during their electioneering for the sake of a free and fair election.
Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (Shujan) organised the programme at Joydevpur Convention Centre in Gazipur city.
Voters present in the audience also vowed to cast their votes in favour of honest and competent candidates, reports our Gazipur correspondent.
The seven mayoral candidates present on the stage were Jahangir Alam of AL, Hasan Uddin Sarker of BNP, Kazi Md Ruhul Amin of Communist Party of Bangladesh, Fazlur Rahman of Islami Oikya Jote, Jalal Uddin of Bangladesh Islami Front, Nasir Uddin of Islami Andolon Bangladesh and independent candidate Farid Ahmed.
In the presence of their prospective voters, all the candidates signed a 13-point declaration, stating that they would conform to the electoral code of conduct and once elected, they would conduct the duties of the city corporation according to the joint decision of elected councillors and ensure fair and equal distribution of the city corporation's assets.
The mayoral aspirants also agreed to accept any verdict given by the people through their vote casting.
The city residents called upon the candidates to save the rivers running through Gazipur by curbing their encroachment and pollution.
In the programme titled “Jonotar Mukhomukhi (face to face with the people)”, the voters also urged the future mayor to take effective measures for controlling various crimes and problems in the city including drug abuse, extortion, mugging and unbearable traffic jams.
Requesting withdrawal of different taxes imposed on the residents by the city corporation, the voters also pressed for a green and clean city where roads will be improved and garbage and drainage system will be efficiently managed.
Jahangir Alam, a green activist present in the audience, asked what initiative each mayoral candidate would take to save the city and its rivers from encroachment and pollution.
Freedom fighter Najir Ahmed asked the candidates that if elected, what steps they would take to stop mugging and extortion in the city.
Ward 24 resident Mohammad Waliullah raised the issue of the city's poor road condition and unplanned drainage system.
Garment worker Jalal Uddin said it takes eight hours to commute between Joydevpur and Dhaka due to disorganised city traffic.
AL candidate Jahangir Alam and BNP candidate Hasan Uddin Sarker said they both have specific plans to ensure quality services to the city residents and they would engage experts to ensure a green and clean Gazipur.
AL's Jahangir said he has plans to construct five roads including one from the airport to Masterbari of Gazipur to relieve the residents of traffic congestion.
BNP's Hasan Uddin said he would identify the problems faced by Gazipur residents and would resolve those according to peoples' demand.
Other five mayoral candidates also vowed to work to resolve the problems in the city.
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