Prof. MA Mannan, mayoral candidate backed by the BNP-led 18 party alliance in the Gazipur City Corporation poll, announced his election manifesto, at a press conference held at the Shapla Community Centre in Gazipur town. He put forward a 11-point plan and promised to develop Gazipur as a modern city. “If elected, I will implement these plans by forming an advisory committee with experienced people,” he said.
BNP standing committee member Brig. (Retd) ASM Hannan Shah, central leader Alhaj Hasan Uddin Sarker, joint secretary Aman Ullah Aman, former minister Sirazul Haque, former lawmaker Dr Dewan Salauddin, central leader Habibur Rahman Habib, Gazipur district BNP president Fazlul Haque Milon, secretary Kazi Sayedul Alam Babul, National Democratic Party (NDP) secretary Alamgir Mojumder, Gazipur district Jamaat Ameer Abul Hashem, Jatiya Gonotantrik Party (JAGPA) leader Humayun Kabir and other leaders of the 18-party alliance were present at the press briefing.
While reading out the manifesto, Mannan said: “When I was a minister, I had developed infrastructure and constructed roads, bridges, culverts, the Gazipur Women’s College, Konabari College, Pubail College and set up various educational and religious institutions, including mosques, pagodas and temples.” “I have decided to contest the mayoral poll following requests from grassroots-level workers. If elected, I will develop Gazipur as a modern city by implementing my short, medium and long-term plans as mentioned in my election manifesto,” he added.
He explained his plans regarding education, health and medical service, law enforcement and control systems, roads and communication systems, drainage, garbage and waste management system, gas, water and electricity facilities, sports, entertainment and cultural activities, and religious and social welfare activities.
He promised to set up a technology-based university. He also promised to promote IT and technical facilities and provide free Internet access to eliminate unemployment problems, build technical educational institutions and a modern hospital for treatment, set up fire service units in industrial areas, CCTVs in important places to monitor law and order situation, build flyovers in Gazipur town and Joydebpur, construct parks and also a press club with modern equipment.
After announcing his election manifesto, Mannan visited Titarkul, Noagaon, Lagalia, Harinal Bazar, Chhayabithee and Shah Para areas as part of his campaign. Central and local leaders of the 18-party alliance accompanied him.
On the other hand, the Awami League-led 14-party alliance-backed candidate Azmot Ullah Khan visited Pubail, Meghdubi, Kudab, Majukhan, Haidarabad, Sukundibag areas.
Bangladesh Chhatra League president HM Bodiuzzaman Sohag, joint secretary Shamsul Kabir Rahat, executive member Mohammed Alaminul Haque, actress Tarana Halim and a group of Mahila Juba League activists accompanied him.
Jahangir Alam, a rebel candidate of the Awami League, recently withdrew his candidature. He gave full support to Azmot Ullah Khan following a meeting with Sheikh Hasina and other Awami league leaders. He, however, was not seen with the AL-backed candidate during the campaign.
-With The Independent input
