Ishraque confident with momentum

BNP-nominated mayor candidate for Dhaka South City Corporation Ishraque Hossain began his yesterday’s campaign later than usual, around 2:30 pm, after unveiling his election manifesto at Jatiya Press Club.

Ishraque, accompanied by hundreds of BNP leaders and activists and local ward councilor contenders, started his electioneering from Dhanmondi 27, with his torso out of the sun-roof of an SUV, waving at the people. 

In the 15 minutes that Ishraque was there, vehicles on adjacent roads were stuck in a gridlock as several thousand leaders and activists were shouting slogans in favour of “sheaf of paddy” and Khaleda Zia, blocking the road.

The campaign trail entered the road leading to Dhanmondi 8/A, as law enforcers cleared the road paving way for the procession.

BNP organising secretary Fazlul Huq Milan, publicity secretary Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie and Juba Dal president Saiful Islam Nirab accompanied Ishraque in his car.

Other leaders including BNP standing committee member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, Jubo Dal general secretary Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, Swechasebok Dal president Shafiul Bari Babu, general secretary Abdul Quader Bhuiyan Jewel took part in the procession.

A motorcade of some 30 people led the procession, with songs and slogans playing in loudspeakers simultaneously.

Some activists were distributing leaflets to people while Chhatra Dal leaders took part in the procession by wearing red sweater with it’s electoral symbol printed on it.

Ishraque and his rally subsequently went to Dhanmondi 7/A, interacting with people in Rabindra Sarobar, Labaid, Bata Signal and Hatirpul Bazar areas, before ending his days’ campaign at Karwan Bazar at 4:30pm.

“If the mass-uprising that has been created in support of ‘sheaf of paddy’ in the last few days continues, our victory on February 1 is certain,” Ishraque told the reporters after completing his campaign. 

Besides Ishraque, his mother Ishmat Ara, also widow of the last mayor of undivided Dhaka City Corporation Sadeq Hossain Khoka, conducted campaigning at Mouchak and Fortune Shopping Mall areas, seeking votes for “sheaf of paddy”.

She also demanded the release of imprisoned BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia.

Ishmat Ara said, “Like people of the country, I also want a free and fair election. People will accept whoever is chosen by a fair poll.”

Israque’s younger brother, Ishfaque Hossain, along with BNP leader Shirin Sultana and Mohila Dal leaders participated in the mass rally.