Photo : Messenger
In a grand spectacle of democratic fervor, today marks the commencement of the official election campaign for the ruling Awami League (AL) in the picturesque city of Sylhet in a bid to reach out to the public and garner support for the ensuing 12th parliamentary elections.
The vibrant cityscape is set to be adorned with the spirit of political enthusiasm as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina prepares to lead a public rally, announcing the beginning of a series of events that will shape the political landscape of Bangladesh.
The announcement was made by the ruling party, heralding a significant milestone in the lead-up to the 12th parliamentary national elections scheduled for January 7.
This election season unfolds against a backdrop of notable developments, with the prominent absence of the country's main opposition, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), opting for a boycott. However, this has not deterred the spirit of democracy, as an impressive lineup of 1896 contestants gears up to compete for the 300 parliamentary seats at stake.
The campaign inauguration aligns seamlessly with the cherished tradition of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who, on this auspicious Wednesday, will embark on the electoral activities after offering prayers at the revered shrines of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) and Hazrat Shah Paran (RA) in Sylhet. The focal point of this inaugural event will be a massive public rally, set to unfold at the historic Aliya Madrasa ground.
Speaking on the occasion, Awami League office secretary Barrister Biplab Barua expressed the magnitude of the moment, stating, "We are commencing the election campaign in Sylhet with a massive gathering. Our party president, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, will address the gathering."
The anticipation is palpable as political enthusiasts and supporters eagerly await the words of their leader, heralding a campaign that promises to be both dynamic and momentous.
However, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has a tradition of initiating election campaigns by offering prayers at the shrines of Hazrat Shah Jalal (RA) and Hazrat Shah Paran (RA) in Sylhet during parliamentary elections, and she continues this practice in the current electoral cycle.
Shafiul Alam Chowdhury Nadel, the central organising secretary of Awami League, conveyed the enthusiasm among leaders and activists of 19 parliamentary constituencies across four districts in Sylhet division.
He said, "With the announcement of the Prime Minister's arrival, there is heightened enthusiasm among our leaders and activists. Candidates from these constituencies will join the public in the campaign rally, and we anticipate a larger turnout compared to previous events."
Preparations for the rally are complete, and it is scheduled to commence at 3 p.m. on Wednesday. Shafiqul Alam Chowdhury emphasised the extensive coordination among responsible joint leaders, general secretaries, and organizational secretaries who have held multiple discussions in preparation for the event.
This rally marks Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's return to Sylhet for a public address after the year 2018. Last year, on June 21, she visited Sylhet and Sunamganj to assess the flood-affected areas and participated in a dialogue at Sylhet Circuit House.
In addition to the Sylhet rally, Sayem Khan, the deputy office secretary of Awami League, announced that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will address a public rally at Barishal sadar on the upcoming Friday, December 29.
She is scheduled to speak at the election rally at 3 p.m. on that day. Furthermore, on December 30 (Saturday), she will address election rallies in the Gopalganj-3 constituency (Tungipara and Kotli Para) and the Madaripur-3 constituency.
Prior to these events, on Thursday, December 21, at 3 p.m., Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will virtually address election rallies in Panchagarh and Lalmonirhat of Rangpur division, Natore and Pabna of Rajshahi division, and Khagrachari of Chittagong division.
Meanwhile, Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader has warned of building strong resistance if voters are obstructed in going to polling centers.
Terming fugitive convict BNP leader Tarique Rahman as fake, the AL general secretary said no movement will be waged in Bangladesh at his call as a foreign survey revealed 70 percent people are eagerly waiting to vote in favour of Sheikh Hasina's party.
So, those who will obstruct voters from going to polling center will be resisted, he said.
Quader hoped the people will give their verdict on January 7 against the arson terrorism and corruption.
He said these on Tuesday while inaugurating a "victory procession" in front of IEB auditorium adjacent to the historic Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka.
A victory procession was also brought out from there and it ended at the historic Bangabandhu's Dhanmondi-32 residence after parading. AL's Dhaka City South unit organized it.
AL joint general secretary AFM Bahauddin Nasim, Dhaka south city mayor Barrister Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, Jubo League chairman Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash, Swechchhasebak League president Gazi Mesbaul Hossain Shachchu, Dhaka City South AL general secretary Humayun Kabir, Dhaka-10 constituency AL nominee actor Ferdous Ahmed and Dhaka-16 seat's AL nominee Ilias Uddin Mollah also spoke.
Messenger/Disha
