Challenging the idea that election campaigns are synonymous with motorcycle races, blaring horns, and public distress, an extraordinary bicycle rally took place in Sandwip Upazila of Chittagong.
The event commenced from the grounds of Badiuzzaman High School in Muchapur on Tuesday (November 25) and concluded at Gachua AK Academy. Hundreds of bicycles took part in the procession.
Engineer Belayet Hossain, a BNP candidate for the Chittagong-3 (Sandwip) constituency, stated, "Our political efforts are for the people, not to inflict suffering upon them. Hence, we organized a peaceful bicycle rally as an alternative to motorcycle events." As part of the 31-point campaign launched by BNP, various leaders participated in the rally, including Upazila Jubo Dal member secretary MA Aziz, Chittagong North District Volunteer Dal joint convener Shaon Rocky, Municipality BNP member Monirul Islam, and Muktijoddha Prajonmo Dal senior vice-president Engineer Nazrul Islam, along with numerous members from different organizations. Many leaders and activists from Jubo Dal, Swechchhasheva Dal, Sramik Dal, and Chhatra Dal from Sarikait, Muchapur, Magadhara, Rahmatpur, Maitbhanga, and Gachua unions joined the rally. During the gathering that followed, speakers highlighted that Engineer Belayet Hossain has remained resolute despite enduring struggles on the streets, imprisonment, and oppression by the autocratic government for 17 years. They also noted that he has upheld the party's principles and grassroots organization in the face of repeated assaults, legal challenges, and harassment. The speakers referred to him as a 'symbol of hope and a proven, brave leader' in Sandwip's political landscape.
Participants in the rally called upon BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman to endorse the proven and courageous leader Engineer Belayet Hossain with the paddy sheaf symbol for the Chittagong-3 (Sandwip) constituency.
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