An electoral platform backed by pro-BNP professionals yesterday came up with a common manifesto for its two mayoral aspirants in the Dhaka city elections, promising a liveable, safe and clean city for all.
Leaders of the platform, Adarsha Dhaka Andolon (ideal Dhaka movement), said the 17-point manifesto was announced for Mirza Abbas and Tabith M Awal who are contesting the April 28 elections for the mayor positions of Dhaka south and north city corporations.
Several other mayoral aspirants have already announced their manifestos.
Shawkat Mahmud, member secretary of the platform and an adviser to the BNP chief, read out the manifesto at a press conference at the National Press Club when other senior leaders were present.
“It is the manifesto of the Adarsha Dhaka Andolon. The candidates will unveil their manifestos in due time,” he said.
Tabith is set to formally declare his election pledges today.
The platform says if elected, their candidates would focus on city governance, city plan, city rods and transport management, education and health services, environment protection, accommodation, law and order, human rights, social safety, women’s rights and information technology to make the liveable, safe and clean.
Convener of the platform Prof Emajuddin Ahamed said the Election Commission’s activities were not satisfactory with regard to holding a free and fair election.
The former Dhaka University vice-chancellor said they had urged the EC to take steps so that all the candidates could reach their voters during the campaigns. “But, they did not take any satisfactory step to this end.”
Asked whether the 20-party alliance’s transport blockade enforced since January 6 was still in force, Prof Emajuddin said he was not sure whether the programme had been withdrawn. “But there is no effect of the blockade in Dhaka and Chittagong due to the elections,” he added.
