Gazipur City Polls: Corruption-free, smart Gazipur top priority

I disagree with the statement that the BNP is not participating. Many local BNP leaders are running for councillor posts and a member of a

— BNP family is running for mayor.

TDS: The BNP has boycotted the election, and you are the ruling party candidate. How confident are you about winning?

Azamat: The 14-party alliance, all the social and cultural organisations, and the peace-loving people of Gazipur, who want to see a city corporation free of corruption got united and spontaneously supported "Boat". Insha Allah, "Boat" will win.

TDS: Since the BNP is not participating, do you think the election will be participatory?

Azamat: I disagree with the statement that the BNP is not participating. Many local BNP leaders are running for councillor posts and a member of a BNP family is running for mayor. The Jatiya Party, Gono Front, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, and Zaker party are participating. On the whole, the election will be participatory, free and credible.

TDS: Zahangir Alam's mother Zaida Khatun is running for mayor. Do you consider her as a strong opponent? Is there any chance what happened in the 2013 election will repeat?

Azamat: I myself do not want to brand a candidate strong or weak. It is for the voters to consider who is strong and who is not. I respect all the mayor candidates. The situations of 2013 and 2023 are not the same.

TDS: What will be your first priority if you win and what is your plan for the city?

Azamat: A corruption-free city corporation where everyone's safety is ensured is my first priority. Civic services will be at the doorsteps of the city dwellers. Since Gazipur is an industrial hub, we will install CCTV cameras on every road for the workers' safety.  We will ensure day care centres for the children of women workers. I want to make Gazipur a green city and want to reclaim its canals. I want to take steps to make Gazipur a smart city by 2041 as promised by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.