I will not participate Sylhet city elections : Mayor Arif

Sylhet City Corporation Mayor and BNP central member Ariful Haque Chowdhury has made the final decision regarding the election. He said that he will not participate in the city elections to be held on June 21.

This decision was announced by the BNP leader in a public meeting at the city's historical registry ground on Saturday (May 20) afternoon.

Speaking at the public meeting, Ariful Haque Chowdhury said, I started politics of BNP on the orders of martyred President Ziaur Rahman. As long as I live, I will not take any decision that harms this team. Many have tried to make me a lawyer Abdus Sattar. But I don't want to give that chance to anyone. There is no election environment under this government. Especially the people of the city do not know about EVM. It is a grand scheme of vote rigging. You have been by my side in the past. You stood by me when I was in prison. I can't forget those words.

Arif said, my party BNP will not participate in any election under this government. I accepted this decision and resigned from the election. At this time, Arif called upon the people of the city to abstain from voting. I am your child, I am your brother. Even if I am not the mayor, I will always be by your side. Please forgive me.

Before this, he along with the party leaders and workers reached the shrine of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) on foot from his home Kumarpara. Later, Arfi gave a speech to the leaders and workers at the historic registry ground after the pilgrimage. At this time, the fear of party leaders and workers can be seen in the registry field. On the occasion of the rally, the registry ground was filled to the brim with the march of leaders and workers.

Incidentally - BNP did not go to the polls, but Arif kept his candidacy on hold for the past one month. As a result, he himself will put an end to the speculations about him around the city elections.

For the past few days, Mayor Arif has been raising various complaints against the administration and hinting to withdraw from the election considering the party's decision. However, Mayor Arif incited new speculations in his speech to the worshipers after the Friday prayers at Syedpur Jame Masjid in Ward No. 35 yesterday. Arif said, "I have always been and am with the people of Sylhet. No matter where I am, I will stand by the people of dear Sylhet.

Earlier on April 16, Ariful Haque said that there is a signal about contesting in the election after returning home from the UK and that he will announce it in two to four days. During his visit to the UK, he met the acting chairman of the party, Tariq Rahman, and received the signal. The signal is red, not green; In other words, he asked for a month's time to explain whether to elect. As a result, candidates, voters and common people are waiting for Ariful's announcement at the civic gathering at the registry ground today.

Election of Sylhet City Corporation will be held on June 21. BNP has announced not to participate in this election. However, there are rumors from the beginning that BNP leader Ariful Haque may be an independent candidate under the banner of civil society. Ariful Haque's various statements and activities at different times have increased the buzz and curiosity of the city dwellers.

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