Rozina Begum Razia is the lone candidate contending for councillor post in the Khulna City Corporation polls scheduled to be held on May 15.
She is contesting from Ward No 1 as an independent candidate with the electoral symbol, “basket.” Six other candidates, backed by Awami League and BNP, are also contesting from this ward.
A total of 148 councillor candidates are contesting from 31 general wards of Khulna City Corporation.
With the pledge to establish the rights of women, Razia is seeking votes door to door to.
Razia studied until till class eight. She makes Tk1.70 lakh raising chicken and ducks, and from rental income. There are no legal cases against her.
Her husband Md Mizan is a businessman, and her father Anis Matubbar is an Awami League member of a local ward unit.
She contested in the 2013 city polls for a women’s reserved seat. Though Razia is an Awami League supporter, she is contesting as an independent.
About contesting from the general ward, Razia said: “Why should a woman contest from reserved seats?
“Prime Minister Sheikh Hasi`na is working to ensure the rights of women. There should be equal rights for men and women.”
She said: “I have become a candidate from the general ward to establish the rights of women, and to work for the underprivileged.”
Razia said people should not think women are weak.
The female candidate said she cannot campaign properly as agents of male candidates are threatening to attack her.
Razia said male councillors are not concerned about women and would rather engage in ensuring their group’s benefits.
She said if elected, she would ensure proper use of the government allowance for older women and widows. She would ensure other allocations are utilized for the advancement of women also.
Local resident, Aparna Ahmed, said Razia did not win last time when she contested from a reserved seat, but she contributed a lot to society.
