United News of Bangladesh

Breaking away from the usual combative rituals of electioneering, all contenders for Chuadanga-1 constituency came together on a single stage on Wednesday, facing voters directly and pledging accountability, transparency and corruption-free governance. Three rival candidates -often divided by ideology and party lines—sat side by side, listened to voters’ concerns and answered pointed questions. More strikingly, they went beyond campaign promises, jointly signing a stringent 15-point written pledge committing themselves to clean, people-centric governance if elected. The event, titled “Face to Face with the People”, was organised by Shujan, Chuadanga district unit, at the open stage adjacent to the Water Development Board in the town. On stage were BNP-nominated candidate Md Sharifuzzaman Sharif, also general secretary of the district BNP; Jamaat-e-Islami nominee Advocate Masud Parvez Russell, assistant secretary of the district Jamaat; and Islami Andolon Bangladesh candidate Zahurul Islam Azizi. Despite sharp ideological differences, the three candidates spoke in one voice on several issues, promising to turn Chuadanga into a district free from terrorism, drugs and tender manipulation. Presided over by Professor Siddiqur Rahman, former principal of Chuadanga Government College and president of Shujan’s district unit, the programme was moderated by journalist Meherabbin Sanvi, the organisation’s district facilitator. Ignoring the winter chill, more than 450 voters from different parts of the district joined the dialogue, voicing expectations and frustrations—from unemployment and farmers’ fair prices to law and order and political intolerance. Sharifuzzaman Sharif said he envisioned Chuadanga as a modern, secure and inclusive region. “Standing before you today, I pledge that if elected, I will work to make Chuadanga free from terrorism, drugs and extortion,” he said.