Khulna city polls: Manju resumes election campaign after 4-hour

BNP’s mayoral candidate in Khulna City Corporation elections Nazrul Islam Manju has resumed electioneering four hours after his decision to refrain from the election campaign.

Manju on Thursday morning boycotted his campaign protesting the arrest of 19 leaders and activists of the party.

But he backtracked from his earlier decision at around 1:00pm Thursday and declared his decision to resume campaigning at a press briefing at Khulna BNP office.

He said, “BNP has taken this election as a part of the ongoing movement, so there is no scope to keep away from election.”

Then he resumed his campaign along with his supporters.

On Wednesday night, law enforcers arrested 19 leaders and activists of BNP, including its city unit publicity affairs secretary Asaduzzaman Murad, Jubo Dal president Mahbub Hossain, district unit president Mostafaul Bari Lablu and district unit Jatiyatabadi Chhatral Dal general secretary Golam Mostafa Tuhin from different parts of the city.

Manju alleged that the law enforcers were trying to terrorise BNP leaders and activists into keeping away from the election campaign.

The BNP mayoral candidate also claimed that the ruling Awami League men were violating the election code of conduct but the Election Commission did not pay heed to his allegations.

He also urged the authorities concerned to create a level-playing field and stop others from intimidating his party men.

Khulna City Corporation election is scheduled to be held on 15 May.

Source: Prothom Alo