The ruling Awami League-led 14-party-backed mayoral candidates in Saturday’s elections to four city corporations are highly hopeful of their reelection as they think people will assess the ‘huge development’ activities activates done by them in the last five years in their respective cities.
Talking to UNB, the four candidates — Badar Uddin Ahmed Kamran (Sylhet City Corporation), Talukder Abdul Khaleque, Khulna City Corporation, Shawkat Hossain Hiron (Barisal City Corporation) and AHM Khairuzzaman Liton (Rajshahi City Corporation) — , however, said they would accept the people’s verdict whatever it would be, if the polls are held in a free and fair manner.
They also said they do not fear any type of violence during the election but are apprehending distribution of black money by their rival candidates, mainly BNP-backed ones.
Awami League-backed mayoral candidate in Sylhet City Corporation Badar Uddin Ahmed Kamra said, “During the campaign, I begged votes from door to door. Seeing the response of voters, I’m confident of getting reelected as the mayor. “During my tenure, as the Sylhet City mayor, I always stood beside the city people during their good and bad days.”
“I worked relentlessly for the city’s development. I worked to make it as a city of peace. More importantly, there was no political influence in the city corporation activities during my tenure. Everything was transparent. There was no tender manipulation there,” he added.
Replying to a question whether he is apprehending any trouble during the election, Kamran said, “He (BNP-supported candidate) was seen showing an aggressive attitude towards the audience during TV live shows on electoral debate. I’m sure nothing chaotic will happen from my side. What they (opponent) will do, they know it well.”
Kamran said he would accept the polls’ results whatever it may be, if the voters can exercise their franchise freely.
Awami League-supported mayoral runner in Barisal City Corporation Shawkat Hossain Hiron said, “Inshallah, I’ll win the polls as the voters will cast the ballot for me judging my performance and development activities.”
Asked whether he apprehends any violence during the voting hours, Hiron replied in the negative and said he is hopeful about a violence-free election.
He also said he will show respect to voters’ judgment, if the election is held in a free and fair manner without any trouble.
Awami League-led 14-party-backed mayoral contender for Khulna City Corporation Talukder Abdul Khaleque expressed his optimism about wining the race saying, “I’ll get votes double than what I got in the previous city polls, and will be reelected.”
“I’ve worked sincerely for the development of the city and welfare of its dwellers. Then why wouldn’t people cast their votes in favour of me?
Though Khaleque does not fear any chaos during the voting, he is worried about distribution of black money by his opponent. “I don’t know what black money is. I’ve kept guards around to check vote buying.”
Liker other ruling party-backed candidates, Khaleque said he will have no reservation to accept the polls result as he believes in democracy.
Awami League-led 14-party backed mayoral contender for Rajshahi City Corporation Khairuzzaman Liton said he is hundred percent optimistic about his win in the polls.
“I carried out massive development works in the last five years and made the city a livable one.” he added.
Source: UNBConnect
