CHATTOGRAM, Feb 28: The main contest will be held between the candidates of ruling Awami League and opposition BNP in the upcoming mayoral polls to Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) that will be held on March 29.
AL nominated its Chattogram city committee's joint secretary Reaul Karim Chowdhury aged 67 while opposition BNP fielded its Chattogram city committee president Dr Shahadat Hossain who is younger than the AL candidate.
Consequently, city-dwellers are expecting a vibrant vote-fight to take place between the young and old mayoral runners.
As many fresh voters have been added to the voter list, the young people are going to determine the fate of the mayoral polls this time.
Dr Shahadat Hossain contested the last national elections from Kotowali constituency (Chattogram-9) staying behind bars.
He was defeated by the younger candidate of AL Barrister Muhibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel.
On the other hand, Rezaul Karim Chowdhury has not contested any other polls earlier in 50 years of his political career.
He is absolutely a fresher in the field of polls. Many of AL activists opined that he has no connection with general voters in the city.
Dr Shahadat Hossain said, "I am contesting the CCC polls for restoring democracy and release of our party chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia who is imprisoned in political cases. If the voters can go to the polling centres and voting is held in free and fair manner, I will be victorious and maximum councillor candidates of BNP will win as well."
"If I can win, I will make the city clean and citizen-friendly one," he added.
Standing Committee Member of BNP Amir Khasru Mahamud Chowdhury said, "Presently, the Election Commission cannot play the role of holding a free and fair election. So, we are confused over the holding of free and fair CCC election. Besides, there is no level playing field. If we file complaint to Election Commission, I am doubt that they would take action in this regard. Despite all obstacles, BNP is participating in the CCC polls to ensure the right to vote."
Rezaul Karim Chowdhury said people will cast votes for him under 'boat' symbol for continuing the development trend of the city.
He said, "I am the representative of AL chief Sheikh Hasina. If I win, I will implement the development projects which are continuing and also take new projects for the development of the city. I will ensure the citizens' facilities in Chattogram."
Presidium Member of AL and former minister Engineer Mosharaf Hossain said, "All should work together for the victory of AL candidate in the upcoming CCC polls. There is no internal feud in the part now. So, I hope that candidates of Sheikh Hasina will win in the CCC polls."
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