Jhalokati: BNP candidate for Jhalokati-2 (Jhalokati Sadar and Nalchity) in the upcoming 13th national election, Israt Sultana Elen Bhutto, has pledged to prioritize the prevention of river erosion and the creation of a drug-free society.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Elen Bhutto shared her vision for the constituency and her party's stance on key national issues in an exclusive interview. If elected, she intends to implement measures to prevent river erosion and focus on developing local roads. To build a drug-free society, she plans to form committees comprising local dignitaries to build social resistance. Additionally, she aims to give special attention to the education and health sectors.
Elen Bhutto has instructed her leaders and activists to strictly adhere to the election code of conduct, emphasizing the importance of following directions from the interim government and the Election Commission to ensure a fair election. She has assured that her supporters will avoid any activities that could tarnish the government's reputation.
Regarding the referendum on the "July Charter," Elen Bhutto expressed her support for the "Yes" vote, aligning with her party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which has signed the charter. She has directed her activists to work in favor of the "Yes" vote. Her expectation for the upcoming national election is the restoration of a democratic system through a fair election under the current government.
Jhalokati-2, which encompasses Jhalokati Sadar and Nalchity, has 365,396 voters, including 16,069 new voters. A significant portion of these new voters are young, first-time voters who are expected to play a decisive role in the election outcome.
Elen Bhutto's political journey in this seat began after the sudden death of her husband, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, a former Jatiya Party MP. She first contested as an independent candidate in a 2000 by-election against Awami League's Amir Hossain Amu. In 2001, she joined the BNP and defeated Amu by a large margin to become an MP. Although she received the BNP nomination in 2008, she lost the seat during the "One-Eleven" government's election.
In the 13th National Parliament Election, Elen Bhutto faces seven other candidates, including S.M. Nyamul Karim (Jamaat-e-Islami), Mohammad Sirajul Islam Siraji (Islami Andolan), and Mahmudul Islam Sagar (Gono Odhikar Parishad).