Afroza Abbas demands CCTV cameras at polling centres

Afroza Abbas, the wife BNP-blessed mayoral candidate in Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Mirza Abbas, demanded installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras at the polling stations to ensure a fair voting.

"The government is saying it wants a fair election and so do we. The polling centres should get CCTV cameras so that people can watch how the voting is going on," she told reporters while campaigning in Sayedabad.

Later, she also visited Jatrabari, Mir Hajirbagh, Dhalpur, Bibirbagicha, Sheikhpara, and Shyampur.

Abbas' election manifesto will be announced within a couple of days, Afroza said.

When journalists drew her attention to her husband's main rival Sayeed Khokon's remarks that she should go to the EC to file complaints, if any, she called Khokon her child and asked him not to create obstacles in her campaign.

"You're like my child. Please mind your own business," she said.

On Wednesday, Afroza alleged that Khokon was not abiding by the election code of conduct in his campaign. In response, he asked Afroza to go file complaints with the EC.

Addressing a street rally at Jatrabari yesterday, Khokon urged the people to vote for him because he said if Abbas was elected, BNP would perpetuate violence.

"BNP will again push the country into a dangerous situation like they did it in the last three months. Vote for me if you are to live in peace," he said.

Khokon promised to the voters to end the nagging waterlogging in the area.

There are several problems in Dhaka city, and waterlogging is one of the major crises, he said. "My father [Mohammad Hanif] had almost ended the problem. He was with you all time. I promise I will be beside you like my father."

ANNISUL HUQ

AL-backed candidate in Dhaka north Annisul Huq yesterday criticised Bikalpadhara Bangladesh-backed candidate Mahi B Chowdhury for saying the former's manifesto lacks "substance".

He requested Mahi not to carry out propaganda, and instead work unitedly to build a green, beautiful Dhaka city.

He made the comments while talking to reporters at Mirpur.  

He also expressed astonishment that just four days ago, Mahi appreciated him, but now was calling him a "bloodsucker".

ELECTORAL VIOLATIONS

Dhaka metropolitan executive magistrates yesterday issued show cause notices to two mayoral candidates and five more councillor aspirants of DSCC for the violation of electoral code of conduct.

The mayoral aspirants are Sayeed Khokon and JP-backed candidate Saifuddin Ahmed Milon.

Besides, the magistrates also fined four councillor aspirants Tk 7,000 for violations.