Sharing the same stage, five of the seven mayoral candidates in the upcoming Rangpur City Corporation election yesterday pledged to build a drug-free and clean city and provide better services to people.

They also promised to make the city corporation free from corruption.

Meanwhile, at the same programme, the city residents expressed their expectations of the next mayor. Their demands include improved roads, a proper drainage system, and foot-bridges.

The mayoral candidates and the city people came together and interacted at a programme of Shujon (Shushasoner Janno Nagorik) on the Rangpur Public Library' premises.

Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, founder general secretary'of Shujon, moderated the event.

KawsarZaman BablaofBNP, Mostafizur Rahman Mostafa of Jatiya Party, Abdul Kuddus of Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal, ATM Golam Mostafa of Islamic Andolon of Bangladesh, and Selim Akter of National Peoples Party attended the programme.

The two candidates who were not present were Awami League's Sharfuddin Ahmed Jhantu, also the outgoing mayor, and jatiya Party rebel Hossain Mokbul Shahriar.

Speaking on different issues, the city residents urged the candidates to be honest and remain friendly with people, if they get elected. They also called for planned development and better services.

In reply, BNP candidate Babla said the voters could elect an honest and people-friendly mayor. To ensure a violence-free environment during the election, he urged the government to deploy' army.

On the other hand, Abdul Kuddus of Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal said he would cut taxes, if elected, and improve services. Expressing his concern, he said the authorities should stop the influence of "black money" in the election.

Demanding a peaceful voting atmosphere, JP candidate Mostafa said there was a lot to do for the city. He promised that if elected, he would ensure proper use of state fund for the city's development.

National Peoples Party's Selim Akter also pledged better services.

Meanwhile, echoing the BNP candidate, Islami Andolon's Golam Mostafa said the city people should exercise their voting rights properly to elect the mayor of their choice.