Dhaka buzzing with campaigns

Amid relaxation of a long-running crippling blockade, Dhaka has started bristling with activities, as the campaigns of mayor candidates for the April 28 city corporation election pick up.

The official campaign entered its third day yesterday, when contenders backed by both Awami League and BNP were seen talking to people, distributing leaflets, and holding street rallies.

Mostly they listened to the problems of the city dwellers and shared their future plans.

Annisul Huq, AL-blessed mayoral hopeful for Dhaka North City Corporation, yesterday started his campaign from Mirpur Sangbadik Colony.

He held a views exchange meeting there with an organisation working for development of slum dwellers, and vowed to work for their betterment.

Annisul also shared opinions with garment workers there before joining a programme of Dhaka Nagorik Samaj, a platform of civil society members that support the pro-AL candidates, on Manik Mia Avenue.

The city dwellers have been in panic for violence over the last three months since the BNP-led alliance's indefinite blockade started on January 6.

AL-sponsored mayoral aspirant for Dhaka South City Corporation, Sayeed Khokon, yesterday started off with a views exchange meeting at Dholaipar of Shyampur.

He pledged to make sacrifices for the development of the city people. "I don't want to be the 'city father', but rather I want to serve you as 'your son'," he told the meeting.

In the afternoon, Khokon talked to businessmen at Gulistan Trade Centre. He also met people of Bangshal and Kotowali before wrapping up the day's campaign at midnight.

On behalf of Mirza Abbas, BNP-backed mayoral candidate in Dhaka south, his wife Afroza Abbas yesterday started off from Malibagh Kitchen Market.

Later she visited Shantibagh, Chamelibagh, and Shantinagar.

Talking to reporters during her campaign, Afroza complained of the absence of a level-playing field and demanded that the Election Commission and the government give equal opportunities to all.

"A level-playing field is mandatory for a credible election."

"I am getting a huge response from the people," Afroza said, and told the people that her husband would appear before them, once he got bail.

Other mayoral aspirants also spent a busy day campaigning. 

Besides mayoral aspirants, the ruling party-backed councillor hopefuls yesterday started campaigns, as the AL has finalised the list of candidates it is supporting.