Chattogram Correspondent

Information and Broadcasting Minister and Awami League Joint General Secretary Dr Hasan Mahmud today said a festive mood is prevailing centering the forthcoming poll and BNP supporters are also joining the festivity.

"Many BNP leaders and activists will exercise their franchise and they will cast their votes in the 'Boat', the electoral symbol of Awami League. Leaflets are being distributed at Dhaka and Chattogram cities to foil the poll, but no one read those leaflets," he said.

The minister was addressing a street rally at Ramgotirhat in Betagi union of Ranguniya upazila of the district. He also addressed different street rallies at Barua Para, Mirzkhil and Baluchar of the upazila.

Dr Hasan, also a candidate of Chattogram-7 constituency of AL, said BNP-Jamaat tried to foil the poll through arson attacks and killing people alive, but they were failed. Now they are trying to attack some candidates, but they will never succeed, he said.

He said the countrymen are not supporting BNP-Jamaat's terror activities. Conspiracy is being held from home and abroad centering the poll, he said.

But, the minister said, the country would march forward under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina despite all conspiracies.

He said, "I've always tried to stay beside the people of my area. I've also visited Chattogram and my constituency in Ranguniya in every week along with performing my responsibilities as a minister and party as well".

Seeking cooperation of all to continue the progress under the AL government, Hasan Mahmud said, "I've tried to be a lawmaker irrespective of party and opinion. My door had been opened for all for the last 15 years". He said the country moves ahead under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina whether anyone admits it or not.

Hasan Mahmud has said his constituency Ranguniya has witnessed massive development works after he was elected as parliament member from the area. "You have elected me as a Member of Parliament. I have always tried to stand beside you and want to do my best for the welfare of all. Even, I helped the youths to get jobs who campaigned against me," he said.

The ruling party leader hoped that Awami League would get a landslide victory in the next general election slated on January 7.

Chattogram University Professor Dr Muhammad Sekandar Chowdhury, Ranguniya Upazila chairman Swajan Kumar Talukder, mayor Shahjahan Sikdar, AL leaders Iftekhar Hossain Babul, Iddris Azgar, Shafiqul Islam, Akther Hossain Khan, Engineer Shamsul Alam Talukder, Jahedul Alam Chowdhury, Shafiul Alam, Sheikh Farid Uddin Chowdhury, Nurul Absar Talukder and MA Hannan Chowdhury, among others, were present in the campaigns.