Both mayoral and ward councillor candidates in the Rajshahi City Corporation elections, along with their supporters, are passing busy days campaigning to win the hearts of the voters.
The candidates are seen meeting the citizens irrespective of age, sex, creed and caste with posters and leaflets to drum up support for them from early morning to midnight every day, since they were allotted the electoral symbols on July 10.
Flanked by large numbers of party leaders and activists, the mayoral contestants are meeting the voters across the city, seeking their support throughout the day, reports BSS.
Many parts of the city have also gotten a new look with huge posters, banners and festoons of the candidates.
“I am very much happy and enjoying the changed atmosphere,” said Nazrul Islam, a sexagenarian voter of Budhpara area.
He said he expected all the contestants and their supporters to follow the election code of conduct till the last day of the campaign.
Afroza Akter Poly, a resident of Upashahar area, expressed her happiness over the election mode across the city. She, however, expected a peaceful and congenial atmosphere during the entire electioneering period.
BNP-led 20-party alliance’s mayoral candidate Mosaddek Hossain Bulbul, flanked by his supporters, campaigns in Rajshahi city on July 23, 2018 | Dhaka Tribune
A total of 217 candidates are contesting in the Rajshahi city polls, scheduled to be held on July 30. Of them, five are vying the post of mayor, 160 for general ward councillor posts and 52 for the reserved seats for women councillors.
Awami League’s candidate AHM Khairuzzaman Liton, with the boat symbol, and BNP-led 20-party alliance’s candidate Mosaddek Hossain Bulbul, with the sheaf of paddy symbol, are somewhat leading the mayoral race.
The other mayoral aspirants are Habibur Rahman (jackfruit), Shafiqul Islam (hand fan) and Murad Murshed (elephant).
On the election day, a total of 318,138 voters will exercise their franchise in 138 polling centres to elect one mayor, 30 general councillors and 10 women councillors in reserved seats.
EC works for free, fair polls
Meanwhile, Election Commissioner Rafiqul Islam has said that the Election Commission has been working relentlessly for holding the upcoming Rajshahi city polls in a free and fair manner acceptable by all.
Election Commissioner Rafiqul Islam speaking at a training workshop for the election officials in Rajshahi city polls on July 23, 2018 | BSS
“Stern action will be taken against those found guilty of making the elections questionable,” he said while addressing a daylong training workshop at Rajshahi Model School and College in the city on Monday.
The office of Returning Officer Syed Amirul Islam organized the workshop for the upcoming election’s presiding officers, assistant presiding officers and polling officers.
Rafiqul said none would go unpunished if found guilty of hindering the process of holding free and fair polls. All the disturbing elements would be brought to book as the commission would not compromise with anyone in this regard, he added.
He also urged the election officials to discharge their duties with utmost sincerity and honesty.