C T Online Desk: The candidates contesting the Chittagong-10 by-election have thrown themselves into spirited campaigns to win the hearts and votes of constituents as the voting approaches.
Prior to receiving their symbols, the candidates were strategically campaigning and connecting with voters. Once the symbols were allocated on Thursday, the contenders embarked on their official campaigns.
Six candidates had submitted their nomination papers, but one candidate’s nomination was ultimately cancelled. The remaining candidates received their symbols and are permitted to carry out campaign activities until one day before the election, which is scheduled for July 30.
On Thursday, Returning Officer Md Hasanuzzaman assigned symbols to the five candidates at the Chittagong regional election office. The candidates wasted no time in launching their campaigns, sparking a surge of electoral fervour among the voters in the constituency.
The ruling Awami League nominee, Md Mohiuddin Bachchu, has got the “Boat” symbol, Jatiya Party (JaPa-Ershad) candidate Md Samsul Alam “Plough” symbol, while Trinamool BNP’s Deepak Kumar Palit got “Sonali Ansh” symbol. Rashid Mia from the Bangladesh Sanskritik Muktijot was assigned the “Chari” symbol, and independent candidate Manjurul Islam Bhuiyan got the “Rocket” as his symbol.
The returning officer said any violation of the code of conduct during the campaign will be subject to appropriate action.
Awami League candidate Mohiuddin Bachchu commenced his campaign by visiting the shrine of Jangi Shah in the Badurtala area, symbolising his commitment to serving the people.
He expressed gratitude for the people’s support and said: “I chose the boat as my symbol because of the love bestowed upon me by the people. Together with the people, we will forge ahead, surmounting all obstacles. I will prioritise addressing local concerns and strive to resolve them effectively.”
Meanwhile, JaPa candidate Samsul Alam initiated his campaign on Thursday afternoon following the symbol allocation.
Confident in his party’s prospects, Samsul Alam said: “Jatiya Party is a longstanding political party representing the collective aspirations of the people. Voters have been responding positively to our campaign. We perceive this election as a challenge, and we are confident about our chances of winning.”
Independent candidate Manjurul Islam, known for his strong ties with the residents of the Halisahar and Mansurabad areas of the city, emphasised his vote bank in those localities. Receiving encouraging responses from voters in various areas, Manjurul Islam sought support from constituents in Agrabad as he actively campaigned.
Both the Trinamool BNP candidate, Deepak Kumar Palit, and the Bangladesh Sanskritik Muktijot candidate, Rashid Mia, have commenced their official campaigns and are meticulously planning their strategies with party leaders and workers.
The constituency encompasses wards 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 24, 25, and 26 of the Chittagong City Corporation. It fell vacant after the death of lawmaker Dr Afsarul Amin on June 2.
The election will be conducted using electronic voting machines (EVMs), with closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras installed at each polling station to ensure transparency and security.
