Vote for honest, trustworthy candidates in the next polls: Manna

Citizens must safeguard their rights by electing honest and trustworthy candidates in the upcoming national election, as experience has shown that many lawmakers and ministers in the past failed to serve the people, said Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna.

"Discussions are ongoing regarding seat-sharing or forming an alliance with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for the 13th national election; however, no decision has been made yet," he said while addressing a discussion and joining a ceremony organised today (10 November) at the Shafiqul Kabir Auditorium of the Dhaka Reporters Unity in memory of Shaheed Noor Hossain, the "symbol of democracy".

Any decision may come after the talks, Manna said. "However, one thing is clear – this election is not about any family or big leader; it is about democracy and restoring the people's right to vote," he added.

He alleged that conspiracies were still underway to obstruct the path to democracy but said those efforts would fail. "People themselves will give a fitting reply this time by establishing their voting rights," he said, adding that the key issue was not who would get which seat but who would truly work for the nation and its people.

The Nagorik Oikya president further said that public confidence in the ruling class had eroded over time due to their behaviour. "Inequality and corruption have risen in the name of development. In this election, people will have the opportunity to restore genuine democracy by choosing trustworthy, honest, and capable candidates," he said.

At the event, retired Major General Abdus Salam formally joined Nagorik Oikya in the presence of senior party leaders. Calling it his privilege to join the party, Salam said, "This is a platform where people can speak freely."

He described Mahmudur Rahman Manna as a respected national figure, saying, "Whenever the country faces a problem, he always finds a simple and conciliatory solution – something that inspires me deeply."

Salam also expressed his desire to work for the development of Kurigram's neglected communities and engage in public service.

Having a long political background, he said he was previously denied nomination by the Jatiya Party but remained in politics because of the love and trust of his constituents.