Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) candidate for the Cumilla-6 constituency Md. Monirul Haque Chowdhury. Photo : BSS

CUMILLA, Feb 4, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) candidate for the Cumilla-6 constituency Md. Monirul Haque Chowdhury has vowed to transform Cumilla into a modern and well-planned city. 

In an exclusive interview with Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) Monirul made the pledge ahead of the 13th national election.

During the interview with BSS Cumilla (South) District Correspondent Delwar Hossain Akaid, the BNP candidate answered a range of questions, highlighting his plans and expectations regarding the forthcoming national election.

Highlighting the importance of his constituency, he said his foremost objective is to ensure comprehensive development and improved civic facilities in Cumilla-6, which is widely regarded as the heart of the Cumilla district.

Md. Monirul Haque Chowdhury, contesting the election with the Sheaf of Paddy symbol, is currently a member of the BNP Chairman’s Advisory Council. Born on July 16, 1947, he is a businessman by profession.

BSS: What are your election pledges to the voters of your constituency?
Monirul Haque: I have structured my development plan by dividing my constituency into two parts. The first focuses on Cumilla Sadar Upazila and Cumilla City while the second on the development of Sadar South Upazila. 

My vision is to transform Cumilla into a modern metropolitan city.
The proposed metropolitan area will extend from Pachthubi and Amratali unions in the north, Nazira Bazar in the west, Simanta Bibir Bazar in the east, and up to at least Baghmara Bazar in the south. 

A fully integrated metropolitan city will be developed within this boundary. At the same time, initiatives will be taken to implement modern drainage and water supply systems.

To ensure efficient administrative operations, a metropolitan administration will be established. 

A circular transport system will be introduced to the city’s road network, ensuring uninterrupted communication through planned and regulated traffic movement.

My ultimate goal is to offer citizens a clean, livable, and well-planned urban life by resolving water-logging issues and improving drainage facilities.

I have prepared a detailed development roadmap for Cumilla, which I have published in a book titled “My Dream, My Cumilla.” The book outlines my vision and future plans for the development of Cumilla.

BSS: What instructions have you given to your party leaders and activists regarding compliance with the election code of conduct?

Monirul Haque: I have issued strict instructions to party leaders and activists to comply with the election code of conduct. So far, none of my supporters have violated the rules. To avoid any possible breach related to poster displays, all posters were removed at a cost of approximately Tk 100,000.

BSS: What is your position on the referendum regarding the July Charter?
Monirul Haque: I am in favour of “Yes” vote. Alongside my election campaign, I am actively encouraging people to participate in the referendum and cast their votes in favour of “Yes.”

BSS: What are your expectations regarding the upcoming national election?
Monirul Haque: I want to see a free, fair, transparent, and impartial national parliamentary election. 

I firmly believe that if the election is conducted in a fair and neutral manner, the Sheaf of Paddy will emerge victorious.

Other contestants in the constituency include Obaidul Kabir Mohan of the Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) ('Tara' symbol), Mohammad Harunur Rashid of Islami Andolan Bangladesh ('Hat Pakha' symbol), Kazi Din Mohammad of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami ('Dari Palla' symbol), Md. Amir Hossain Forayezi of Bangladesh Sangskritik Mukti Jote ('Chori' symbol) and Kamrunnahar Sathi of Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal-BASAD ('Moi' symbol).

The Cumilla-6 constituency comprises Adarsha Sadar, Sadar South, Cumilla City Corporation and the cantonment area.

The total number of voters in the constituency is 6, 31,886, including 3, 18,325 male voters, 3, 13,554 female voters and seven third-gender voters.