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Standing Committee Member of BNP and the party’s candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency Mirza Abbas has said that if elected in the upcoming election, he would prioritize the welfare of the country’s citizens alongside fulfilling his responsibilities as a lawmaker.
“If elected, I will work for the welfare of the people apart from helping enact laws in the parliament,” he said.
Mirza Abbas made the remarks in an interview with Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) ahead of the 13th Parliamentary Election slated for February 12 next.
When asked about his election promises for his electorates, the senior BNP leader said he does not believe in making promises.
“I do not believe in mouthful election promises. So I do not want to make any promises,” he said.
However, he emphasized that development is a continuous process saying that initiatives would be taken based on the actual needs of the people.
“My commitment is the overall development of the people of my constituency (Dhaka-8),” he added.
Mirza Abbas also said that extortion, terrorism, and drug-related activities would be eliminated from the constituency, noting that meaningful development cannot be achieved unless these issues are addressed.
Pointing out his previous tenures as parliament member, he said, “I have been an MP and minister for several times, but I have never made promises. Even then, I have worked with all might for development of my constituency.”
He further stated that if elected again, people of the country including those in his constituency would never feel alone and would always find him standing by their side.
Regarding adherence to the election code of conduct, Mirza Abbas said that the BNP is strictly following the rules.
“The code of conduct must be followed, and instructions have been given to party leaders and workers so that no body violates it,” he said.
However, he expressed dissatisfaction over the campaign duration fixed by the Election Commission, saying that in previous national elections campaign were allowed around three months, whereas this time only 21 days have been provided.
“This is not enough time,” he said, adding that there is no precedent in any country in the world for such a short electioneering in national polls.
Asked about his expectations for the upcoming parliamentary elections, Mirza Abbas said, “My expectation is that people can exercise their voting rights properly.”
He also expressed concern that people from particular parties might be brought to polling centers and there is a possibility of defeating patriotic candidates.
The BNP leader further said that questions have already been raised regarding ballot papers, postal ballots, and voter transfers, adding, “These signs are not good for a good voting exercise.”
The Dhaka-8 constituency comprises wards 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 19, 20, and 21 of Dhaka South City Corporation, covering areas such as Motijheel, Paltan, Shahbag, Shahjahanpur, and Ramna.
The total number of voters in the constituency is 275,471, including 152,795 male voters, 122,675 female voters, and one third gender vote. There are 108 polling stations and 527 polling booths in Dhaka-8.
A total of 11 candidates are contesting the seat.
They are Mirza Abbas of BNP, Mohammad Nasiruddin Patwary of NCP, AHM Rafiquzzaman Akand of BSD (Marxist), A F M Ismail Chowdhury of the Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal, SM Sarwar of Islamic Front, Kefayet Ullah of Islami Andolan, Tridip Kumar Saha of CPB, Meghna Alam of the Gono Odhikar Parishad, Golam Sarwar of Janatar Dal, Zuber Alam Khan of JP and Russell Kabir of Sangskritik Muktijote.