With only four days left for the Dhaka city corporation elections, candidates from two major political parties have continued to commit pledges of various sorts to drum up support of voters. Most of the candidates are vowing to turn Dhaka into a smart city.
While visiting different parts of the city on Monday, candidates from Awami League (AL) and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) were seen distributing leaflets, seeking votes and attending meetings and making pledges assuring to make Dhaka a better loveable place for the citizens.
Besides, some candidates of both – south and north zones of the city, were found using loudspeakers round the clock for campaigning which the election commission allows only for a certain period of time.
Voters and citizens expressed their anger over the use of sound amplifiers during the campaign of different candidates.
“Candidates and their supporters have continued seeking votes through use of loud speakers from morning till midnight. They are coming one after another. It’s not tolerable for us as my son is an SSC examinee,” said Rabeka Sultana, a resident of Khilgoan area.
“Some supporters of a councilor in our area sought votes by chanting slogans on loud speakers on Sunday midnight (after 12:00am). It’s not only irritating but also creates a negative impact of such candidate,” said Mahbub, 27, a resident of Manda area.
Another resident of Badda area said, “There are so many candidates in the area and they keep using loudspeakers from morning till night. They are also locked in a competition using loudspeakers almost round the clock. It is so noisy that the nuisance has crossed limit now.”
As per the Noise Pollution (Control) Rules 2006, permissible level of sound in residential areas is 50 decibels during the daytime and 40 decibels at night.
In industrial areas, it is 75 decibels and 70 decibels during the daytime and night respectively whereas, in the mixed areas, it is 60 decibels and 50 decibels
Apart from the street campaigns, digital campaigns through the internet and social media are also in full swing to woo the voters.
A total of 753 candidates would fight in the city polls on February 1. Of them, 13 are competing for mayor and 740 for councilors. DNCC is comprised of 54 wards while DSCC has 75.
Meanwhile, Awami League nominated mayoral candidate for Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Atiqul Islam started his campaign on Monday from JamJam Tower Khaza under sector 11 in Uttara.
Atiqul Islam said that if elected as a mayor, he would work to build a modern and well planned city and take initiative to free Dhaka from traffic congestions.
He also carried out electioneering at different areas including Baunoia, Nolvog, kaliartech and other areas under DNCC ward no 51, 52, 53 and 54.
“If I’m elected as the mayor again, we I would start working to ensure providing civic amenities for the city people. It is our pledges before the city dwellers,” he said while speaking at the campaign.
The Awami League mayoral candidate for Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh on Monday started his election campaign through seeking vote from capital’s Demra area.
During his campaign Taposh said, “We are getting spontaneous response from the people where we are going. We have presented an outline oon the road map to the city’s development. People of Dhaka have trust on our plans which are reflected in the massive public responses.”
The BNP nominated mayoral candidate Ishraque Hossain for Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) on Monday said that he will dedicate himself for the betterment of the people, if elected.
He said this while addressing a view exchange meeting with journalists at the national press club. He then attended a mass campaign at Khilgoan, Basabo area.
During his campaign he said, “People of all strata are eager to cast vote in favour of sheaf of paddy. We strongly believe that the city should have a proper leader to undertake and supervise all development works.”
He also said, “Dhaka has become the number one unlivable city in the world for the irregularities and corruption. If I am elected, I will free the city of corruption. People of the country want change.”
The BNP nominated mayoral candidate for Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Tabith Awal on Monday pledged that he will turn Dhaka into a smart city livable for all.
“I’ll carry out mosquito repellent activities throughout the year, if elected. I’ll also work for reducing traffic jam and will take effective steps to stop air pollution in the city,” Tabith said this while unveiling his election manifesto at Emmanuelle’s Banquet Hall, Gulshan-1 in the capital.
Then he attended his election campaign at different areas including in Baunia, Uludaho, Uttarkhan and Chamurkhan.
