‘I am running for the mayoral post with an open mind. I promised to Allah that I want to perform my duty with utmost honesty. I sought his blessings that I can work with everybody,’ said the Dhaka North City Corporation mayoral candidate, Annisul Huq, at Karwan Bazar in the city on the maiden day of his formal election campaign on Tuesday.

Ruling Awami League-backed Annisul Huq, accompanied by his wife Rubana Huq, lawmaker Tarana Halim and television presenter Abdun Nur Tushar, talked with people from all walks of life, including pedestrians, tea vendors and businessmen, and sought their support.

The former FBCCI president told journalists that he got up early on Tuesday and said Fazr prayers. He sought blessing from his 92-year old father and then prayed at the graveside of his mother. Then he visited the National Memorial at Savar, Martyred Intellectual’s Memorials at Rayer Bazar and Mirpur and placed wreaths there as part of paying tribute to the memory of the national heroes. He also laid wreaths at the mural of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Dhanmondi. 

Responding to a question over present political situation, the mayoral aspirant said, ‘I am not bothered about politics at all. Politics should have its own way. But my focus is on the development of Dhaka. If it is necessary to discuss politics, I would say it becomes easier for all. Everybody wants the elections. I think a congenial environment exists.’