#Title

I promise progress
We want to serve the community
Talukder Abdul Khaleque is running for mayor in Khulna on the ruling Awami League ticket. His key opponent Mohammad Abdul Awal is nominated by the Islami Andolon Bangladesh, the party which was founded by late Fazlul Karim, popularly known as Charmonai Pir. The Daily Star’s Dipankar Roy and Ashik Abdullah Apu talked to them about their aspirations and plans.
DS: How is the electoral atmosphere in Khulna?
Khaleque: The electoral atmosphere is good. There is no conflict regarding the election. We are conducting our campaigns in a proactive manner, reaching out to voters and addressing their concerns.
DS: What pledges have you made to the city dwellers?
Khaleque: Having served as the mayor of Khulna twice before, I acknowledge that there are unfinished development projects from my previous term. I have assured the voters that once the ongoing projects are completed after my re-election, visible improvements will be noticed in the city.
DS: Are you receiving full support from the leaders and activists of your party?
Khaleque: Within the Khulna Awami League, there are no internal conflicts or divisions. All party leaders and activists are working together to secure our victory.
DS: Some mayoral candidates have alleged that you might win the election by leveraging the influence of the ruling party. How do you respond to these?
Khaleque: Those who have raised these allegations need to provide detailed explanations of where they have faced any hindrance. I’m a proponent of free and fair elections. Although I belong to the ruling party, I have experienced defeat in the past while the party was in power. I have gracefully accepted the people’s verdict before and will do that in the future as well.
DS: Many are concerned about a low voter turnout as the major opposition party, BNP, has boycotted the election. What is your perspective on this issue?
Khaleque: I have repeatedly told Khulna residents that casting their votes is their responsibility and a reflection of their will. Despite BNP boycotting the election, the response I have received from the people indicates that they are committed to going to exercising their right to vote.
DS: How is the electoral atmosphere in Khulna?
Awal: The atmosphere is pleasant. We’ve been conducting campaigns since the day of the symbol allotment. Our focus is on presenting our ideology to the voters.
DS: How confident are you about winning?
Awal: If the situation remains favourable and the people can freely exercise their right to vote, we are confident of securing a victory.
DS: Many allege that you never stood by the people and only approach voters during elections. What is your response to this?
Awal: These allegations are untrue. We have always stood by the people and followed the principles of our Islamic ideology. We are committed to serving the community regardless of any election cycle.
DS: BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami have boycotted the election but they have significant vote banks in Khulna. Where do you think their votes will go? There have been allegations that you have secretly joined hands with them.
Awal: We do not categorise anyone as BNP-Jamaat. We are seeking votes from all the peace-loving people of the city, irrespective of their party affiliations.
DS: Do you think voters will show up at the polling centres?
Awal: The Gazipur city polls set a positive example of voters exercising their democratic rights. Furthermore, the assurance provided by top officials of the administration, including the Chief Election Commissioner, has instilled confidence in people.
DS: What will be your priority if you are elected?
Awal: Our primary goal is to transform Khulna into a modern and pollution-free city. We have highlighted the need to address issues such as waterlogging, food security and substance abuse.