File photo of Taimur Alam Khandakar

Independent candidate Taimur Alam Khandakar said he wants to make Narayanganj a pro-people city by reducing the tax burden on residents and freeing the city corporation office from the "grip of contractors".

"The people of Narayanganj say contractors control the city corporation. I first took the initiative to turn it into a city corporation but we did not want one that burdens the city dwellers with taxes."

He added the people of the city have also had to suffer for 18 long years due to the bitter rivalry between the mayor and local lawmakers.

"Some problems do not require huge amounts of money to be solved; they need good intentions," he said, giving the example of the construction of a bridge over the Shitalakhya to connect Bandar with Narayanganj city.

"The Ecnec approved the fund for the construction, but it is yet to begin because of the conflict between the mayor and lawmakers. There may be a difference of opinion, but why should they not come together for the good of the people? The conflict is an open secret and it is the people who are the victims."

When asked why people should vote for him, he said he has always been with and for the people throughout his 50-year-long political career. "People want a change and are raising their voices for civic amenities.

"Over the years, the amenities have not been increased but additional taxes were imposed on the city dwellers in different ways -- holding tax, trade licence, water tariff… I am contesting the election, as people want a change."

Taimur said the BNP's decision to remove him from the party posts was a blessing as there will be no pressure on him from anyone to withdraw candidacy at the last moment, unlike in the 2011 polls, when he was made to withdraw five hours before election.

He was removed from his posts as he joined the election as an independent candidate in violation of the party's decision to boycott the polls.

Asked about the central and local BNP leaders' engagement in the polls, he said, "In a local government election, central leaders' presence is not needed. All the local BNP leaders are with me and regularly campaigning for me."

Expressing concern that some ruling party leaders are making provocative comments on the election, Taimur said if the government does not resort to any "election engineering", it will be peaceful.

"I will not violate any electoral code of conduct. I hope the government and administration will enforce the [electoral] code without prejudice."

About his opponents, he said, "I will not make any comment on any contender. All the contenders are equal to me. Ivy is my niece. Chunka bhai [Ivy's father] was my leader. I respect him and have learned a lot from him.

"The fact that the office should not be in the grip of contractors is something I learned from Chunka bhai and I will follow it."