PM Sheikh Hasina to start election campaign from Jan 30

Prime Minister and ruling Awami League President Sheikh Hasina will formally begin her election campaign from January 30. “She will formally start campaigning from that day and seek votes for the party's candidates,” Finance Minister AMA Muhith said on Thursday at a programme marking his 85th birthday. At first, Hasina is likely to visit the shrine of Hazrat Shahjalal and Hazrat Shah Poran in Sylhet on January 30. She will address an election rally at the Alia Madrasa grounds the same day. The Awami League is seeking a third consecutive term in office to continue its development works. Finance Minister Muhith said he did not want to contest the next parliamentary polls, scheduled to be held either at the end of this year or the beginning of 2019. “I do not want to participate in the next general election. I am planning to enjoy my retirement," he said."However, if the honourable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina wants me to contest, then I will follow her instructions.” Muhith pointed out that he would announce his decision regarding the matter in April this year.This article was first published on banglatribune.com