Choose the Right Candidate
As is the case with any decision-making, information holds the key to choosing the right candidate. Only a well-informed citizenry can make a difference by choosing the right candidate, who could make positive contributions to the overall welfare of the country. Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) in collaboration with the Committees of Concerned Citizens (CCCs) conducted a report card survey on the electoral candidates in the Union Parishad Election, 2003 of Nalitabari and Jamalpur. The report cards were published for the candidates contesting in two unions of both Nalitabari and Jamalpur. The report card entitled "Choose the right candidate" was an endeavor to highlight the personal and political identity of the candidates, their social contributions in various sectors, their opinions and views on how to root out corruption and revitalize a flagging economy. The report cards were distributed among the voters of the respective areas. The CCCs also arranged a public meeting for each of the selected unions. The contesting candidates attended the public meeting and promised to work against corruption.
The programme was arranged at Poragaon and Nanni in Nalitabari on 23rd and 20th February, 2003 respectively. Both meeting was presided over by CCC member Mahfuzur Rahman. The Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) Mr. Mahibul Islam was present as the chief guest while the Upazilla Nirbahi Officer Mr. Nazmul Islam Khan was present as the special guest in Nanni. Around one thousand people attended each of the meeting. The meeting was also attended by a number of CCC members and staff. TIB Programme Specialist Abu Zayed Mohammad was also present in the meeting at Nanni.
The programme was arranged at Sharifpur and Rashidpur of Jamalpur on 25th and 26th February, 2003 respectively. Both meeting was presided over by CCC Convener Adv. Mohammad Nazrul Islam (Dulu). The Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Mr. Md. Zahid Hossain was present as the chief guest at Sharifpur while the Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) Mr. Md. Shamsul Alam Chowdhury was present as the chief guest at Rashidpur. TIB Programme Officer Mr. Ekram Hossain was present at both the meeting. A number of CCC members also attended the meeting.
Advice and Information Centre (AIC)
The BBC Bengali service interviewed some of the beneficiaries of the AICs and highlighted its activities on 17 February 2003.
