Bangladeshi expatriates in Britain especially those from Sylhet are in constant touch with the electorate and its contenders about the upcoming city polls. Many have already made their way into the country to campaign for their favoured candidates and cast votes, while those still abroad have launched campaigns there.
“The heat of Sylhet city corporation polls are not only limited to the area. Its more heated in London. Everywhere, including cafes, bars and social gatherings, the only topic of discussion is that who is going to be elected the mayor of Sylhet,” Ashraf Gazi, who came from UK earlier this month, told the Dhaka Tribune.
He added that his trip was scheduled for the end of the month but was moved forward so that he could attend the polls scheduled of June 15. Gazi also said the new mayor who will elect as mayor will obviously look after the expatriates problems especially security of the expats.
Ashraf Gazi is not alone. Like him, around 500,000 people from Sylhet live in London only while around a total of two million live in the UK, the USA, other European countries and the Middle East according to the records of Sylhet Overseas Centre. Many of them visit Bangladesh every year to meet with their family.
Ibrahim Khalil, who lives in the UK for the last 20 years, came to Bangladesh on June 6. He told the Dhaka Tribune, “Bangladeshi expatriates in Britain have huge interest in Sylhet City Corporation Polls. They are keeping regular contact with their families and friends taking update on the polls and campaigning to their family members here about casting votes for their favoured candidates.”
Resident of Florida in the US, Gulam Sadat Jewel, came to Sylhet on June 1. He said, “Even though, we live abroad, our mind always cry for our beloved motherland. We are concerned about the Sylhet as the beautiful city has lost its beauty.”
He added that many of the expatriates have made investments in Sylhet and are worried about their expected outcome due to the political instability. Still then, many more want to invest.
Khalil pointed out that on June 11, the London unit of Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee organised a meeting from where they asked expatriates to campaign in favour of Awami League backed candidate Badar Uddin Ahmed Kamran.
Kamran said, “Sylhet has a lot of expatriates. Many of the expats has come Sylhet to see the election and expats in London are very concerned about the election.”
Meanwhile, chief of the UK chapter of main opposition BNP, Saista Chowdhury in a meeting urged the expatriate leaders and activists to work for BNP-back mayor candidate Ariful Haque Chowdhury. Ariful is also campaigning through teleconferences asking expatriates to urge their relatives in Sylhet to vote for him. “I have been holding a series of talks with expatriates and have contact with not only those living in London, but those living in the US, Europe and Middle East.”
The BNP-backed mayoral contender also pledged to introduce One-Stop-Service for expatriates if elected, a promise Kamran remained silent about.
