FENI, Nov 23: Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Monju has formally begun his campaign as a candidate for the MP seat of Feni-2 (Sadar) constituency in the upcoming 13th Parliamentary Election.
The election campaign was launched on Sunday noon through a press conference and views-exchange meeting held at the Grand Sultan Convention Hall in the Feni town.
The press conference was presided over by the Convener of Feni District AB Party Master Ahsanullah. The welcome address was delivered by AB Party's Chittagong Divisional Joint Organizing Secretary Engineer Shah Alam Badal. Among those present were the party's Chittagong Divisional Organizing Secretary Siddiqur Rahman, Member of the Professional Council Advocate Saifullah Noman, District Joint Convener Motaher Hossen Bahar, Member Secretary Professor Fazlul Haque, Joint Member Secretary Nazrul Islam Kamrul, Mamun Ansari, Organizing Secretary Shahadat Saju, Treasurer Shaheen Sultani, Publicity and Media Secretary Habib Miaji, Women's Affairs Secretary Jahanara Moni, Social Welfare Secretary Abu Bakar Siddique, Assistant Office Secretary Nazrana Hafiz, women leaders Shahana Shanu, Hure Jannat, Feni Municipality Convener Abul Kalam Azad Selim, Member Secretary Rezaul Khaer, Nafiz Imtiaz Shimul, Feni Sadar Upazila Convener Shahadat Hossen, Member Secretary Said Khan, Joint Member Secretary Nazrul Islam Sabuj, Member Saidul Haque Milon, Youth Party Convener Shafiullah Parvez, Member Ibrahim Sohag, and others.
Mojibur Rahman Monju stated that if elected as MP, he will not hold arbitration courts at his own home or premises, will not interfere with the work of the administration, and will not interfere in market or school committee elections.
Alongside this, he promised to try to ensure the selection of honest and competent officers in all government offices, including the DC's office, to ensure accountability in government offices, and to make information on government allocations publicly available.
Calling for suitable land to be identified for establishing a medical college, a university, and an army brigade in Feni, he said he would do what is necessary to achieve this.
Manju mentioned that by leveraging his position and recognition in national politics, he has already facilitated the allocation of Tk 4,500 crore for permanent flood control in Feni, the construction and repair of several roads, development of many educational institutions, and the allocation of educational and sports materials.
He said it is necessary to move beyond old politics and old debates and focus on solving the problems of Feni and the entire country. He warned that electing bad people will lead to worse consequences.
He stated that change must begin now, and expressing his resolve to start positive politics, he called upon the people of Feni to support him.
In response to questions from journalists, he said that a government adviser recently stated that the two major parties are vying for control over the appointments of DCs and SPs; if this is true, then the ordinary voter has no role left. He strongly condemned the statement of a Jamaat leader about taking control of the administration.
Mojibur Rahman Monju said that after the "upsurge," everyone is doing politics freely, which is a major achievement. Furthermore, he stated that no one should hold the position of Prime Minister for more than two terms, and it should be mandatory to seek the opposition's opinion for appointments to constitutional institutions. If these reforms are implemented, Bangladesh will be significantly transformed within the next ten years.
He remarked that now anyone can strongly criticise the head of government, which was not possible even a short while ago.
He said, 'Even though I had the opportunity, I did not join an alliance with the BNP because many BNP leaders have struggled for so many years and have been persecuted. They have the right to get nominations from their own party.'
He informed that a decision has been made to form a new alliance with those parties that played a leading role in the July "upsurge," and the announcement of the new alliance may come on November 25. He also commented that a qualitative change in national politics is essential.
He sought the support of independent voters, beyond his own party members. He pledged to work for the people of Feni for his entire life, even if he is not elected as MP.
He commented that there is nothing wrong with handing over port management responsibilities to foreigners.
He said he has no concerns about the election itself, but doubts about a fair election still persist. Furthermore, he stated that he has no objection to being the alliance candidate if all factions of Feni BNP agree, but he has no desire to become an MP by causing hardship to anyone.
He commented that if Sheikh Hasina returns to the country and surrenders to the court, the ban on the Awami League could be lifted.
