In a symbolic nod to Bangladesh's political history, Dr Hasan Mahmud, the Information and Broadcasting minister and joint general secretary of the Awami League, kicked off his election campaign by crossing the Karnaphuli River on a dinghy boat and cycling through the Rangunia-Boalkhali constituency in Chattogram-7.

As part of the ongoing preparations for the 12th Parliamentary Election in the Rangunia constituency, ruling party AL’s nominated candidate for Chattogram-7, shared his enthusiasm for the unconventional campaign method.

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Drawing inspiration from Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who famously campaigned on a bicycle in 1954, Mahmud highlighted the historical significance of this mode of campaigning.

Referring to Bangabandhu’s electoral campaign on a bicycle, Mahmud stated, "Since then, our party emblem has been the boat, reminiscent of Bangabandhu's boat and bicycle campaigns. Today, I crossed the Karnaphuli River on a boat and cycled through Karnaphuli, starting the election campaign from our party office."

Reflecting on the current political climate, he said, "Those who conspired against the elections, whether at home or abroad, are now silent like mice. Even powerful vitamin tablets cannot boost the confidence of the BNP. In sha Allah, on January 7, elections will be held with widespread enthusiasm, and like the rest of the country, we will all go to the polling centers in Rangunia to cast our votes."

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Addressing recent political developments, he added, "Those who conspired against the election are now trapped, and Rizvi of the BNP has entered the trap. When you chase a mouse, it goes into the trap. The people have rejected the BNP, and Rizvi is now inside the trap, announcing programmes from within."