YouTuber and MP aspirant Ashraful Hossen Alom, popularly known as Hero Alom, is gearing up to take part in the upcoming Dhaka 17 by-polls. In an exclusive interview with Dhaka Tribune's Nawaz Farhin Antara, he speaks about his plans for the election and the eventuality of his getting elected, as well as his motivation for repeatedly taking part in elections. He aims to run in the parliamentary polls slated for next year from Bogra Sadar.
Dhaka Tribune: Why do you take part in elections again and again?
I am a hero who came from zero. Everyone knows that I achieved popularity after many struggles, going from the village to being a businessman. It wouldn't have been possible if people didn't like me. I used to feel like a hero while doing dish antenna business in Bogra. From there, I started making videos and music videos and delivered them to local people. After making 500 videos, I went viral on social media one day. From there, the story of my becoming Hero Alom begins. At that time, I participated in the Union Parishad elections twice and got the second highest number of votes among six candidates. That was possible because of the people's love and my popularity.
After various names, like Dish Alam and CD Alam, I became Hero Alam. I have come here from a very low position. I have seen that no one works for the welfare of poor people. So far, no leader has become the leader of the poor. I want to work for them and that's why I am taking part in the election. I will keep trying.
I won the Bogra election by the people's vote, there is no doubt about it. Votes were not stolen, but results were stolen here. I will take part in elections until I get my rights back. I previously participated in the national election in 2018 from two constituencies. I dream big, so I will not give up. Since the people have supported me in the past, I want to work for them. I also will take part from Bogra Sadar in the national election.
Why Dhaka 17? What do you say to those who question your competence?
The people of Dhaka know me, and not only rich people live in this seat. I have seen that there are many slum dwellers whose welfare is not being looked after by anyone. It's not just Gulshan and Banani in Dhaka 17, there are also many slums. I want to work as a protesting youth, as a flare for the poor. That is why I am taking part in the election for this seat.
If you look at the eligibility criteria, then I would say yes, I am not eligible to be a member of parliament. However, there are many unqualified people like me who have been elected in this parliament, so why not me? As such, I qualify. What significant work have they done for the poor? I will be a leader of the poor and, as a friend of the rich people, I will support anyone who is in need if I win this seat.
What are your expectations from this election?
I want to finish Farooq Bhai's unfinished work. I will select any two of his projects, then I will finish them in 6-7 months or whatever time I get. That is my plan if I am elected. If the elections are fair and the results are accurate, then I hope to win. I am not upset about how many popular leaders are against me.
You are asking me whether I will get the votes of the elite? You can also see that the number of poor people in this seat is more than the number of elite class people. The elite don't think much of the rest of the community. I expect to get 70% of the votes from poor people and slum dwellers, and 30% of the votes of the elite class who live in Gulshan and Banani. This perspective will change when rich people also work to help the poor. From the experience of the past elections, I have seen that people are losing interest in voting. Most of those who come to the centres to vote are poor people.
Will your name, profession, and personality change if you are elected MP?
Change is always good if it is on the positive side. I have changed a lot over the years. My language has Bogra regionalism, which I am constantly trying to change, which is affecting my personality. Also, I am making efforts to increase my educational qualifications, which I will present in front of everyone when the time comes. If I get elected, I want to see my name as MP Hero Alom, not Ashraful Alom. Because I am known as Hero Alom. I love to act, movies are my favorite thing.
I'd like to practice politics, participate in elections, and act as well. I work in the media world, and I also want to be with the people to uphold their interests.
What is your source of income? How are you managing election expenses?
I am still running my dish business in Bogra. Besides, I am doing regular stage shows, which is a part of my income, as well as my YouTube channel. This is my income from everything. However, during the election period, the rich people who are among my fans have been paying my election expenses. Many of them are businessmen.
I campaigned alone when I contested the national elections, using a covered van and a single mic. I campaigned alone in the area. I am not afraid of not having money. I will continue the election campaign however I have to. I do not need a big amount.
