One drops out, remaining 6 pledge to accept results

While one mayoral candidate announced his withdrawal, the remaining six yesterday signed a 13-point pledge, which includes accepting the verdict of the around five lakh voters of the December 22 Narayanganj City Corporations polls.

Other promises include ensuring a free and fair election and refraining from unlawfully influencing it, including in the form of vote buying; cooperating with the person elected in implementing development activities and continuing ones taken up by the immediate past mayor; and annually making public a wealth statement once elected.

Kamal Prodhan announced the withdrawal of his candidacy, for which he was earlier expelled from Liberal Democratic Party, and extended his support for BNP-backed candidate Shakhawat Hossain Khan to, as he told journalists at BNP's media cell, show “respect to BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia's leadership”.

The developments came at a discussion Shushashoner Jannoy Nagorik (SHUJAN) organised at Narayanganj Club Ltd where the candidates responded to various questions of the audience.

On whether she could work beyond the ruling party's influence, Awami League nominated candidate Selina Hayat Ivy said, “Last time I was a candidate of the people. I will be neutral and will work taking into consideration all views.”

On trade license fee, she clarified that NCC could not reduce it since it was a government decision.

Shakhawat promised to work against all forms of crime once elected. “I want to build...a model city. The local government's current activities will not be hampered and development activities will continue,” he said.

SHUJAN Secretary Badiul Alam Majumder conducted the discussion and educationist and columnist Syed Abul Maksud was present as the chief guest.