Ahead of the 13th National Parliament election scheduled for February 12, BNP-nominated candidate for Bandarban-300 constituency, Saching Pru Jerry, is intensifying his campaign in the remote hill areas of Lama upazila.
Carrying the BNP symbol of the sheaf of rice, Jerry has been holding road meetings, market gatherings and door-to-door public outreach across Lama Municipality, Rupsipara Union and Lama Sadar Union. Large crowds of both hill community members and Bengali residents have been seen attending the events.
On Thursday (January 29), Jerry spent the entire day campaigning across the upazila. He began the day by exchanging views with members of the Barua community at Hridoy Master Para in Rupsipara Union. He later held road rallies at Swapna Kanan Vidyapeeth field, Rupsipara Bazar, Ballachar, Lamamukh Bazar, Merakhola, and in the evening at Linejhiri and Nayapara.
Addressing voters, Saching Pru Jerry said the sheaf of rice now represents the people’s trust and hope. “This remote region has long been neglected,” he said. “If elected, I will work to improve communication, healthcare and education, alongside implementing the BNP’s 31-point agenda. I urge everyone to vote for the sheaf of rice to build a non-discriminatory and non-communal Bangladesh.”
Bandarban District BNP Joint Convener Md. Amir Hossain said a similar large-scale campaign was conducted on Wednesday in the remote Sarai and Ghazalia unions. Several senior leaders were present during the campaign, including Chhatra Dal Central Senior Vice President Abu Afsan Yahya, district BNP leaders Professor Osman Gani, Abdul Mabud, Thoainu Ang Chowdhury, and local party activists.
Among other candidates, NCP’s Syed Mohammad Shujauddin (Shapla Koli) and Islami Andolan’s Md. Abul Kalam (Hatpakha) were seen campaigning on a limited scale. Jatiya Party candidate Md. Wali Ullah (Plough) appeared largely inactive.
Local voters believe the BNP candidate is in a strong position, especially after Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Abul Kalam Azad withdrew from the race.
Regarding election preparations, Lama Upazila Election Officer Abdul Hamid said voting will take place at 42 centres, and all arrangements have been completed to ensure a free and fair election. The upazila has a total of 88,829 voters, and no untoward incidents have been reported so far.
Lama Upazila Executive Officer and Assistant Returning Officer Md. Moin Uddin said the administration is closely monitoring compliance with the election code of conduct. Law enforcement agencies, including the army, are working jointly to maintain a peaceful environment.
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