Choose ‘boat’ for development: Atiq

Amid enthusiasm and festivity, Awami League mayor candidate Atiqul Islam carried out his campaign yesterday -- on the last day of electioneering.

He started the day with a visit to Bhasantek area (ward-15) under Dhaka North City Corporation around 11am.

His supporters, however, started thronging the area since early morning, shouting slogans in favour of “boat”, AL’s electoral symbol.

Atiqul also brought in some star power to woo voters -- mostly slum dwellers. A number of media personalities including Hyder Husyn, Tanvin Sweety and Azmeri Haque Badhon conducted campaign in his favour. They spoke to residents and handed out leaflets.

While talking to journalists, Atiqul said, “When I took oath for the first time as mayor on March 7 last year, the prime minister told me to prioritise Bhasantek slum.”

“No one will be evicted from the slum without being rehabilitated,” he assured locals.

Atiqul also promised, “Once elected, I, with the support of working class people and slum dwellers, will make a permanent arrangement for those living in the slums.”

Responding to a query, he said, “The symbol of boat means development. We have no intention to thwart the election. Instead, we have heard that the opposition party is bringing in outsiders to create chaos during the polls. Just go to the polling centres and cast your votes.”

Present at the campaign, former lawmaker Tarana Halim said, “Please go through the manifesto of our mayor candidate. He is offering solutions to our city problems. Vote for him for a better Dhaka.”

Atiqul also spoke to locals and sought votes from them.

During the time, locals said they are deprived of civic amenities and are always under eviction threat. They said around 10 thousand families live in the slum.

“Many politicians made lofty promises but none of those came true after they were elected. We want to be rehabilitated permanently,” said Ismail Bhandari (60), who has been living there for over 30 years.

After visiting the area, Atiqul said, “In the last 20 days, I have visited all the 54 wards under DNCC. Problems of each ward are different and I have documented all of those. If I am elected, I will try to solve the problems.”

From there, Atiqul went to Natun Bazar around 3pm and campaigned in the area.