Sylhet Bureau

As the days go by, the smoke in Sylhet's political arena about Mayor Ariful Haque Chowdhury seems to be increasing.

This popular politician supported by BNP has not yet clarified whether he is a candidate for the Sylhet City Corporation election or not. However, it is known that the Present mayor Ariful Haque Chowdhury may announce his decision on May 19 or 20.

BNP has announced not to participate in Sylhet City Corporation elections. However, confusion has arisen regarding BNP party leader and current mayor Ariful Haque Chowdhury. However, he said that besides the party, the opinion of the people of the area should also be given importance. In this situation, there is a rumor in the city that Arif may be a candidate.

Amidst this rumor, Ariful Haque Chowdhury said on Friday that he will clarify his position on May 19 or 20. He said that he will hold a public meeting at the city's registry ground to announce whether he is a candidate or not.

Polling for Sylhet City Corporation will be held on June 21. Nomination papers can be submitted till May 23. Arif is talking about clarifying his position just before that.

On Friday, Mayor Ariful Haque offered Friday prayers at Kuchai West Jame Mosque of Ward No. 41 of Chowdhury Nagar. He also exchanged prayers with the local residents.

Speaking to the media, Ariful Haque said about his candidacy, he will announce his decision by organizing a public meeting on April 19 or 20 at the registry ground with the opinion of the mentors and informed people of all the wards of the city.

Mentioning that he did not get much opportunity to work for the extended areas of Sisik, Arif said, I visited the extended wards during the time I got. They have a lot of drainage problems and road problems. I have sent plans and proposals to the government seeking allocation to solve these problems. I hope they will be approved.

Arif said, my party BNP is not participating in this election. And I am taking the opinion of conscious voters of the city, well-wishers and mentors to decide whether I will personally participate in the election or not. After discussing with everyone and observing the environment, I will give my decision.

Meanwhile, Arif criticized the Election Commission and the government and EVM voting.

Awami League's nomination for the Sylhet City Corporation election has been received by the joint secretary of the party's UK branch. Anwaruzzaman Chowdhury walks around the city every day. But till now, who is his rival has not been finalised. After the announcement of the election schedule, Arif's candidature was in doubt.

On the day before the announcement of the schedule, Arif indicated that he would not be a candidate for the election in an event in the presence of BNP Acting Chairman Tarek Rahman on a visit to the UK. However, Arif's statement to reporters after returning from the UK on April 16 gave a hint of becoming an independent candidate.

Ariful Haque Chowdhury, a member of the central committee of the party, contested as a BNP candidate in the last two Sylhet City Corporation elections in 2013 and 2018.