DNCC, DSCC polls: BNP mayoral candidates kick off campaign

BNP nominated mayoral candidate for Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Tabith Awal today said that people would cast their votes against the government’s acts of misrules and misdeeds in the elections slated for January 30.

“We hope that the Election Commission would perceive the voices of people and would take a step to hold a free and fair election,” Tabith came up with the call while addressing an electoral gathering in Uttara area of Dhaka this afternoon.

BNP’s mayoral candidate for Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Ishraque Hossain briefs journalists at Gopibagh Community Centre today, on January 10, 2020. Photo: Collected

Earlier in the day, Tabith received his electoral symbol “Sheaf of Paddy” from the Election Commission and kicked off his election campaign after offering Jumma prayer at a mosque in the area.

“With the election campaign, we have started the process to ensure immediate release of our party Chief Khaleda Zia from jail,” Tabith said calling upon the people to cast vote for him.

Hundreds of leaders, activists and supporters in the area took part in the electioneering.  

Taking part in the campaign, BNP Standing Committee Member Goyeshwar Chandra Roy said the EC should take step to create festive atmosphere among the voters ahead of the election.

Oust-government movement will begin if any conspiracy or vote rigging take place in the election, Goyeshwar said, stressing the need for ensuring overall security of voters.

Meanwhile, BNP’s mayoral candidate for Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Ishraque Hossain also began his election campaign today after Jumma prayer at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in Dhaka.

During his electioneering, Ishraque blamed the EC for not paying any heed to their allegations against Awami League mayoral candidate of violating the electoral rules.

“I lodged complaint against Awami League nominated candidate three days ago. But the Election Commission did not to take any action,” he told journalists after getting his election symbol “Sheaf of Paddy” at Gopibagh Community Centre.

Terming the Election Commission as spineless, Ishraque said Awami League ministers and lawmakers are engaged in carrying out election campaigns violating the electoral rules but the constitutional body is keeping mum in this regard.

Taking part in the campaign, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told journalists that they participated in the election for releasing democracy and Khaleda Zia from confinement.

“We have started our movement keeping Ishraq in the forefront to reach the goal,” he said.

They also distributed leaflets among the people seeking votes in favour of the BNP candidate in the election.