Meaningful election depends on mass public participation: Helal

BNP Information Affairs Secretary and Khulna-4 candidate Azizul Bari Helal said that the forthcoming national election will only be meaningful with broad public engagement.

He made the remark while addressing the final match and prize distribution ceremony of the Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman Eight-Team Football Tournament at Rupsa, as chief guest last evening (23 November).

Helal said sports help keep the mind refreshed and the body healthy, adding that building a modern stadium in Rupsa was among his aspirations. "Many national athletes have emerged from this region. We will restore that legacy, InshaAllah," he said.

He said that if elected, they would form a government grounded in people's support. "No one will be able to deprive Rupsa of development," he added.

Helal later handed over trophies to the champion and runner-up teams.

Addressing an electoral meeting with members of the Padmabila Water Drainage Association, Helal said residents of Rupsa, Terokhada and Dighalia have long faced shortages of safe drinking water.

He stressed that ensuring access to safe and treated water is essential as groundwater levels decline.

Describing the BNP as a people-oriented party, he said its main commitment was to work for public welfare. "Vote for the 'Sheaf of Paddy', together we will build a better country and region," he urged.

Arifur Rahman Arif, district convener of the Arafat Rahman Koko Memorial Council, presided over the event.

District BNP joint conveners Khan Zulfikar Ali Zulu, Molla Khairul Islam, GM Kamruzzaman Tuku, Enamul Haque Sajal, Upazila BNP leader Molla Saifur Rahman Saif, Sheikh Abdur Rashid, district Swecchasebak Dal convener Ataur Rahman Ranu and Krishak Dal member secretary Abu Said also spoke.