As elections near, promises get bigger
With only four days remaining for Sylhet City Corporation Polls scheduled for June 21, seven mayoral candidates are leaving no stones unturned in their campaign efforts, despite the occasional rainfall.
Although no candidates have officially declared their election manifesto, they are actively engaging with voters, making promises, and conducting rallies and programmes.
Among the contenders, Anwaruzzaman Chowdhury, the Awami League nominee, and Nazrul Islam, the Jatiya Party nominee, have emerged as the leading candidates.
The cityscape is covered with posters showcasing these candidates, and their parties' leaders and activists are campaigning and distributing leaflets filled with promises.
The boycott of the Islami Andolon Bangladesh nominee Mahmudul Hasan, has altered the dynamics of the competition. The remaining candidates, including Jahirul Alam of Jaker Party and independent candidates Salah Uddin Rimon, Abdul Hanif Kutu, Shah Jahan Miah, and Mostaque Ahmed Rouf Mostafa, appear to be relatively inactive in the field of competition.
Anwaruzzaman appeared content with the electoral environment, while Nazrul Islam expressed concerns regarding the fairness of the election.
During a press conference held at his electoral camp on Wednesday, Nazrul voiced his apprehensions over a statement made by the chief election commissioner following the recent BCC polls.
He alleged that there is a conspiracy against him, favouring the Awami League candidate, and claimed that his electoral campaign was being obstructed by members of the ruling party.
Nazrul further accused the returning officer of failing to address his complaints regarding violations of the electoral code of conduct by the AL candidate.
In response to these allegations, Anwaruzzaman said, "There is no time to comment on his baseless allegations. I prefer reaching out to the voters and focusing on my work."
Salah Uddin Rimon, an independent candidate who was suspended from BNP for participating in the polls, said, "So far the election environment is good, but concerns of a rigged election remains."
Jaker Party nominated Jahirul Alam said, "Electoral environment is good and we are hopeful of a free and fair election on June 21."
PROMISES APLENTY
Meanwhile, AL and JP candidates are making lofty promises at every rally and programme they are attending.
AL candidate Anwaruzzman has pledged to address the city's water logging issue, build a dam to defend the city, dredge the Surma, dedicate a power plant for Sylhet City, and other issues.
He is also promising to develop a 100-year master plan so that the city never faces unplanned urbanisation ever.
JP candidate Nazrul Islam is also promising development works based on a master plan. Besides, he pledged to address issues like waterlogging, efficient waste management, more open playgrounds, city beautification, and mosquito elimination.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission is passing busy times preparing for the polls and training people on how to cast votes in EVMs.
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