Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, Feb 4, 2026 (BSS) - With the 13th national parliamentary election approaching, Sushasoner Jonno Nagorik (SUJON) organized a public forum in Rajshahi to enhance voter awareness and promote candidates' accountability.

The programme, titled "No Position Is More Important Than That of a Citizen of the State," was held at the Nowhata Government School ground in Nowhata under Paba upazila , within the Rajshahi-3 (Paba-Mohanpur) constituency on Wednesday.

The event allowed voters to directly question candidates, who responded publicly.

At the outset, an oath and declaration were read out by Mahmudul Alam Masud, general secretary of the SUJON Rajshahi district committee. The forum was chaired by Sadikul Islam Mejo, president of SUJON Paba upazila, and conducted by Mizanur Rahman, SUJON divisional coordinator for Rajshahi.

Addressing the gathering as special guests were Ahammed Shafi Uddin, president of SUJON Rajshahi district committee; Piar Box, metropolitan president; Asad Ali, president of SUJON Mohanpur upazila; Sohel Mahbub, general secretary of SUJON Paba upazila; and Abdul Alim, general secretary of SUJON Mohanpur upazila.

Speakers said that in a democratic system, citizens' opinions and rights are paramount, and it is the moral responsibility of election candidates to face voters' questions ahead of the polls.

They added that such initiatives contribute to a more transparent and accountable electoral process.

The Rajshahi-3 constituency, stretching from areas adjacent to the Rajshahi City Corporation to the Manda border of Naogaon, has a total of 423,199 voters.

Although six candidates are contesting the seat, the main contest is between BNP candidate Shafiqul Haque Milon, contesting with the 'Sheaf of Paddy' symbol, and Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Professor Abul Kalam Azad, contesting with the Balance 'Scale' symbol.

During the forum, voters raised questions on development, education, healthcare, employment, corruption and women's rights.

Observers said SUJON's initiative of enabling direct interaction between voters and candidates ahead of the election has set a positive example of democratic practice in the Rajshahi-3 constituency.