Shibganj (Bogura) Correspondent

Although the by-election schedule of Shibganj Municipality has not been announced, several mayoral candidates including the former mayor have started campaigning.

Candidates have sent postcards asking for prayers and support.

The candidates are two-time former mayor of Shibganj Municipality Tauhidur Rahman Manik, Upazila Awami League Organizing Secretary and Upazila Vice Chairman Rezzakul Islam Raju, Shibganj Upazila Awami League Joint General Secretary Engineer Abdul Mannan, businessman Hamdan Mondal, Shibganj Upazila Students' Society General Secretary Mokaram Hossain Khokon, Municipal Awami League Joint Secretary Rasel Mondal and Nayan Mondal.

This time the name of Tauhidur Rahman Manik was announced as the single candidate of Awami League in the by-election. Confirming the matter, Shibganj Upazila Awami League office secretary Shahabuddin Shibli said that Touhidur Rahman Manik, after being elected mayor twice in a row, has done unprecedented development work in the municipal area including the construction of Arjunpur Bridge and Bhurghata Bridge. To maintain the continuity of development, Tauhidur Rahman Manik was again announced as the candidate of Awami League for the post of mayor in the extended meeting of Municipal Awami League on January 18.

Upazila Awami League organizational secretary and upazila vice chairman Rezzakul Islam Raju is the new face for the post of mayor in the by-election. He is already holding yard meetings and exchanging opinions with the general voters in different neighborhoods of the municipal area.

He is campaigning with the conviction of transforming Shibganj municipality into a model municipality and serving the poor and hardworking people. Upazila Awami League Joint General Secretary Engineer Abdul Mannan is continuing mass communication in the municipal area as a mayoral candidate. Hamdan Mandal, a businessman, is campaigning for the mayoral post with the aim of building a happy, prosperous, educated and drug-free society.

General Secretary of Upazila Students society Mokaram Hossain Khokon continues to campaign with the conviction of creating a drug-free municipality. Shibganj Municipal Awami League Joint General Secretary Rasel Ahmed and Nayan Mandal are continuing the campaign with the promise of continuing the development process. However, the candidacy of former mayor BNP leader Matiar Rahman Matin is not known for sure.

Shibganj Upazila Election Officer Shafikur Rahman said by-elections are held within 60 days. However, by-elections are held within 90 days if any reason arises. He said that the by-election schedule of Shibganj municipality may be announced soon.

It is to be noted that the position of mayor of Shibganj municipality has become vacant due to the resignation of Touhidur Rahman Manik, the boat nomination candidate of the 12th national parliament election, on November 28.