Mayoral candidates of upcoming Barisal City Corporation (BCC) polls came together to sit face to face with their voters and answer their questions yesterday, sans Awami League's candidate Serniabat Sadiq Abdullah, who rather mysteriously remained absent.

The "face to face with citizens" programme was organised by the Barisal chapter of Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (Shujan) at Ashwini Kumar Hall in Sadar Road area of the city.

Six mayoral candidates out of seven -- Mojibor Rahman Sarwar (BNP), Iqbal Hossain Taposh (Jatiya Party), Abul Kalam Azad (CPB), Obaidur Rahman Mahabub (Islami Andolon Bangladesh),  Dr Manisha Chakrabarty (BSD) Bashir Uddin Junu (Independent/rebel Japa) -- attended the programme. They signed a written oath to make the city free from corruption, drug addiction and terrorist activities. They also promised to make Barisal a beautiful and clean model city, raising their hands together to seek co-operation from citizens.

Shujan secretary Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar coordinated the event, while Saha Sajeda, president of the organisation's Barisal City chapter, presided over the meeting that saw an attendance of about a thousand people.

Shujan was told Serniabat's absence was a decision from his party, said Akkas Hossain, district general secretary of Shujan. His absence at the event, however, was met with mixed reactions.

The other mayoral candidates spoke about their vision if they are elected as Barisal city mayor.

BNP candidate Mojibor Rahman Sarwar said they are participating in the election amid anxiety of the people about a free and fair poll. “Everyone should be united to prevent vote rigging in BCC election,” he urged people.

Japa candidate Iqbal Hossain Taposh echoed the view, and demanded assurance for a fair election.

BSD candidate Dr. Manisha Chakrabarty said she wants to make BCC citizen-friendly, by forming a city council to execute citizens' rights.

Abul Kalam Azad of CPB said, “We will implement rights of citizens, if I am elected.”

Independent candidate Bashir Ahamed Junu and IAB candidate Obaidur Rahman Mahabub also promised make BCC free from corruption.

Each candidate also answered two questions from citizens about problems regarding the city, and how they intend to solve those.

Meanwhile, all mayoral candidates continued their          electoral campaigns throughout the city, seeking voters' support in various areas.  44545454