Partho calls for unity, peaceful campaign

Bangladesh Jatiya Party Chairman Andaleeve Rahman Partho yesterday received a warm and enthusiastic welcome as he returned to his hometown Bhola for a public outreach programme after eight years.

Partho arrived in Barishal by road from Dhaka before travelling to Bhola by speedboat from Laharhat.

People lined the riverbank, roadsides and even rooftops to see and greet the Bhola-born leader.

Addressing the gathering, Partho said, “There is no alternative to BNP–Bangladesh Jatiya Party unity”, urging locals, leaders and activists to put aside differences and remain united.

He also said although he might become a lawmaker, Golam Nabi Alamgir would remain the guardian of the constituency. 

Partho told voters that if elected, he would ensure that people would be able to “sleep peacefully”, adding that no injustice would be tolerated. 

Referring to his family legacy, he said his father had never wronged anyone. “People in Dhaka may like me, but the people of Bhola love me. Bhola is my home. My symbol is the bullock cart,” he added.

He also called for peaceful campaigning, urging supporters to ensure that other candidates could conduct election activities without obstruction and that no violence or deterioration of law and order takes place.