“The people of Narayanganj are very enthusiastic about the election. They want a congenial atmosphere so that they can exercise their franchise without fear and intimidation,” he added.
He also demanded the EC replace the “partisan administration officials with neutral ones”.
Shakhawat said if elected mayor, he would make the city a model one.
Earlier in the day, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Rizvi Ahmed at a press conference at the party’s Nayapaltan central office announced Shakhwat’s name as its mayoral nominee.
On Monday night, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia held a marathon meeting at her Gulshan office with the prospective mayoral candidates and grassroots leaders of Narayanganj to pick party candidate.
As Taimur Alam Khandaker refused to contest the polls, Shakhawat’s name came prominently.
BNP insiders said most leaders at the meeting suggested nominating Taimur or former MP Abul Kalam Azad for mayor. But both of them expressed unwillingness to contest the election.
On Friday, the ruling Awami League nominated incumbent Narayanganj Mayor Selina Hayat Ivy for city mayor.
Meanwhile, addressing a discussion in the capital, BNP leader Rizvi Ahmed yesterday demanded the government assist the EC to deploy army in Narayanganj so that voters can exercise their franchise freely.
Source: The Daily Star