Rare show in politics

Three mayoral candidates--Awami League leader Talukder Abdul Khaleque, fourth from right, former BNP leader Moniruzzaman Mony, third from left, and Jatiya Party (Ershad) leader Shafiqul Islam Modhu, third from right--join hands to pledge to develop Khulna city at a programme titled "Jonogoner Mukhomukhi" (face to face with people) yesterday. Brihottor Khulna Unnayan Sangram Parishad organised it at Shaheed Hadis Park in the city. Photo: Star

Sitting on a same dais, all three mayoral candidates in the upcoming Khulna City Corporation polls yesterday assured voters of turning Khulna into a modern, clean and green city.
The assurance came during a 'meet the voters' programme organised by Greater Khulna Development Action Coordination Committee at the Shaheed Hadis Park in the city.
Talukder Abdul Khaleque, Moniruzzaman Mony and Shafiqul Islam Modhu also responded to queries from voters at the programme where thousands of city dwellers were present in the audience.
Programme organisers held a lottery among the candidates for picking the serial of speakers, and each mayoral candidate was allowed to speak for 10 minutes.
In reply to voters' queries, Talukder Abdul Khaleque said if he is elected, he would free the KCC area from corruption; ensure smooth supply of safe drinking water and better sanitation and conservancy management.
Khaleque, blessed by the 14-party alliance, also promised to complete Khulna Wasa project, construct roads, free canals from illegal occupiers and remove water logging from city streets.
Moniruzzaman Mony, supported by BNP-led 18-party alliance, said he would make all-out efforts for the development of drainage system and roads and making the city free of extortion, if voters elect him.
Shafiqul Islam Modhu, backed by Jatiyo Party (Ershad), said, if he is elected, he would turn Khulna into a modern city and would continue to ensure all civic facilities.
All the three mayoral candidates also pledged to digitalise the Khulna Development Authority, aiming to ensure better services for city dwellers.
Sheikh Ashrafuzzaman, president of the coordination committee, presided over the programme.