Campaigning kicks off
Defy obstacles, cast your vote: BNP
Mayoral and councillor aspirants launched campaigning for the Chattogram City Corporation elections yesterday. After the deadline ended for withdrawal of candidacy for the city corporation, the EC said 223 candidates -- 6 for mayor and 217 for councillor posts -- will run for the election, to be held on March 29.
BNP began its electioneering in Kotwali area yesterday.
Just like his Awami League counterpart, BNP mayor candidate Dr Shahadat Hossain started the day by offering prayers at Shah Amanat's shrine in the area.
He was accompanied by Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, BNP standing committee member.
Joined by hundreds of party supporters and activists, the BNP candidate paraded through the city's Firingi Bazar, Patharghata, New Market, Al Koron, Enayeth Bazar and Kazir Dewri areas.
At the beginning of the campaign, Shahadat, president of the party's Chattogram city unit, told reporters that he wanted a congenial atmosphere for voters so that they can exercise their franchise without any fear.
People should exercise their franchise, he said, adding, "Go to the polling centres overcoming all obstacles and vote."
"I urge the election officials and law enforcement agencies to ensure security of voters and a festive atmosphere," he said.
He also mentioned that they are participating in the polls to uphold the voting rights of people. "Our chairperson has been in jail for two years. We will restore democracy by freeing her," he added.
Shahadat also offered help to the government in fight against coronavirus and promised to turn Chattogram into a "smart, green and clean city" for all.
Amir Khasru urged people to be vigilant so that no one can snatch their voting rights.
Abul Hashem Bakkar, general secretary of BNP's port city unit; Abu Sufian, senior vice president of its city unit, and Mahbubur Rahman Shamim, organising secretary of BNP's Chattogram division, were present, among others, during the campaign.