Khulna, October 4 – 90 political leaders from Bangladesh Awami League (AL) and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) of Khulna Division came to one platform in Khulna Thursday to pledge for nonviolent and peaceful elections. The atmosphere was festive at the regional launch of the Shantite Bijoy (Win with Peace) campaign with enthusiastic participation by the political leaders. The program was held at Hotel City Inn in Khulna city.
At the launch, political leaders the two major parties
stood together in support of peace and harmony and together vowed against violence. At the event, Khulna District BNP General Secretary Amir Aziz Khan said, `Shantite Bijoy’ campaign launches here because the people expect a peaceful election. We should all be liberal so that we can demonstrate political activities freely. Khulna City Corporation Mayor and Khulna City AL President Talukder Abdul Khaleque said, `Though some bitter incidents might happen, however, we desire peaceful elections. In this regard, we should be conscious.’
Khulna City BNP President Nazrul Islam Manju said voters want to cast their votes to favourite candidates without fear. They want to take the country forward.’ Khulna City BNP General Secretary Moniruzzaman Moni said, `Let the election be participatory and acceptable. If peace wins, the country will win.’ Khulna District Awami League President and Khulna District Parishad Chairman Sheikh Harunur Rashid said we should keep patience for peace.’
Additionally, Mijanur Rahman Mijan, MP, Khulna Constituency 2, Bagerhat District BNP President MA Salam, Bagerhat District AL General Secretary Kamruzzaman Tuku, Meherpur District BNP President Masud Arun and civil society members of Khulna spoke at the event.
With the national elections approaching, the Win with Peace campaign will engage and raise awareness among registered political parties, candidates, and citizens in Bangladesh on the importance of peaceful elections and tolerant politics. The campaign is providing the 16-crore people of Bangladesh with a platform to raise their voice to demand peace, harmony, and tolerant politics. The campaign is bringing together political leaders and citizens of Bangladesh to peace rallies, face to face dialogues with candidates, roundtable meetings, and workshops across Bangladesh.
The Win with Peace campaign is implemented under Strengthening Political Landscape (SPL) project implemented by Democracy International and co-funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (UK Aid). – Democracy International press release
