Dhaka-Dr Salina Hayat Ivy, the Awami League’s prodigal daughter in Narayanganj politics currently back in the fold as the party’s mayoral candidate in the upcoming city corporation election, has made it clear the support base she draws upon reaches well-beyond traditional AL supporters.Touting the cross-party appeal she has gathered in the last five years as the core strength of her candidacy, Ivy said she expects not just AL supporters, but others as well, including those of the BNP and Jatiya Party, to rise above party lines and vote for her based on her record in office.
“People will vote me as they love me for the works I did in the past. My record speaks for itself. I don’t need to ‘seek’ vote from anyone. BNP and Jatiya Party supporters alongside AL voters will vote for me this time as well, as they did in the last election in 2011,” she said.
Dr Ivy made the remarks during a street rally at Kuripara Bazar in the Ward No 27 of the City Corporation during her campaign ahead of the NCC election slated for December 22.
The first person to be elected mayor after Narayanganj was granted city corporation status in 2011, said everything she did in the last five years (till resigning from the post on November 23 to run for re-election) was for the development of the Narayanganj City Corporation, with no regard for anyone’s creed or political views. “You, elect me going above the political affiliation and views.”
She also campaigned in favour of her ‘boat’ symbol at various areas including Muradpur, Chapatoli, Madanpur, Kuripara and Fulhar on Sunday.
Meanwhile, BNP mayoral candidate Advocate Shakhawat Hossain Khan on Sunday alleged the Election Commission has taken the decision not to deploy the army in the election for reflecting desire of the ruling party candidate.
It was essential to deploy the army in the election, Sakhawat said Sunday, when he was seen canvassing voters in the Ward No 18 of the City Corporation.
Noting that Narayanganj AL heavyweight Shamim Osman may try to influence the election, the BNP mayoral contender urged the Election Commission to take measure for preventing his possible influence.
About an allegation that Ivy’s posters were torn down by his men, Shakhawat said, “I am not a man to do such things. The allegation has been brought against me as Ivy has turned desperate. That is why she is making such allegations.”
“If the people are able to cast their votes freely, our victory is certain,” he said.
Shakhawat pledged to construct a bridge over the Shitalakhya River to connect the Bandar and Sadar thanas under NCC, if he is elected.
The BNP candidate campaigned for his party’s sheaf of paddy symbol at different places including Ramnagar, Dhakeshwari, Shahidnagar, Ispahani, Langankhola and Dhakeshwari area-2 on Sunday.
BNP vice chairman Abdul Awal Mintoo along with other leaders of the 20-party alliance’s leaders sought votes in favour of BNP candidate Shakhawat at the Ward No 18 on Sunday afternoon.
