“I’m a candidate of the young generation,” said Tonmoy, an AL’s pick for Bagerhat-2 constituency.
He has been at the centre of attention ever since he was picked to run for the constituency. The handsome looks and oratory of Bangabandhu’s grandson have captivated the hearts and minds of local people.
Sheikh Tonmoy has earned a huge fan following in real life – and his photos often go viral on the social media. He is at the centre of talks in his constituency.
Many voters say they will put faith in this young man who has promised to free Bagerhat of corruption, terrorism and drugs, and work with everybody to continue the trend of development.
“Bangladesh has 50 million young people and I’m one of them,” Tonmoy said in an interview with UNB. “This generation doesn’t want blood, war or violence. This generation wants transparency and honesty.”
The new voters in the constituency appear to be very enthusiastic about the December 30 election. They have told UNB that they dream of seeing Bangladesh joining the ranks of developed nations in near future and playing an important role in the global arena.
“With millions of youths, I share the dream of a beautiful Bangladesh with unlimited potentials,” Tonmoy said, hoping that more young people will join politics in the future.
Many new voters appeared to be swept off their feet. “He has secured a place in our hearts,” one of them said while some voters told UNB that the young candidate had reignited hopes in them.
“We can feel his passion and dedication for the country from his speeches,” one voter said. “He has appeared as a blessing for us.”
Tonmoy says he has high hopes for the young generation. “They won’t be used as a political weapon in this election. I hope this generation will stand beside us.”
‘Dreaming Hasina’s dream’
Tonmoy, a third-generation politician from his family, has seen his father Sheikh Helal and auntie Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina up close.
He says his aunt Hasina, Bangladesh’s longest-serving prime minister, has inspired him heavily. He has been saying that he felt particularly encouraged to join politics seeing her dedication, hard work and determination to take Bangladesh forward.
“We inherited the vision of a prosperous Bangladesh from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. I’m dreaming of her dream with millions of young Bangladeshis,” he said.
Tonmoy says it is up to the youth to choose ‘Boat’ – AL’s electoral symbol – to carve out a place for themselves in politics. He says he is getting overwhelming response from people.
“Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has sent me here to serve people, not to be a leader, and people understand that,” Tonmoy said.