The incumbent mayor of Rangpur city Sharfuddin Ahmed Jhantu has got Awami League nomination to contest in the upcoming city corporation polls. After being nominated by the ruling party, he spoke to the Bangla Tribune to express his views on various issues.

What are your feelings after being nominated?

Sheikh Hasina has placed an enormous burden on my shoulders. I will be relieved when I will meet her as a winner. I am very happy, but I will speak openly once I become a winner as Awami league candidate.

How confident are you about victory?

A candidate is always confident about victory. But until the election is over, I cannot be specific.

Do you think you can tackle the division inside Rangpur Awami League over the nomination before the polls?

Yes, I can. Sheikh Hasina selected me for the job.  There will be no division in the party before the polls. The loyal and grassroots Awami League activists are always with me. Local leaders and activists have always wanted me to have Awami League nomination.  But it is a huge party, and divisions are normal in such a large party. But it is the charisma of a good leader to be able to contain the factionalism effectively.

Are you going to work with everyone in the field?

Yes, I will work with everyone – allies and opponents in the party – because I want to be victorious with everyone’s support. I will go from door to door and ask for support. If someone still wants to work opposing the party, I will inform the leader [Sheikh Hasina].

Rangpur has been historically a Jatiya Party territory, what are your plans for it?

Everyone knows Jatiya Party dominates Rangpur. But, I will build an Awami League stronghold in Jatiya Party territory. I want to make Awami League victorious here.