AL promises a DIGITAL Bangladesh by 2021

by Nilotpal Roy
December 16, 2008

http://www.weeklyblitz.net/138/al-promises-a-digital-bangladesh-by-2021

Awami League and its allies will use digital technology in electioneering besides traditional campaigns. The party, which promised a 'digital Bangladesh by 2021,' will use technology mainly in view of time constraints.

Faruk Khan, one of the secretaries of the AL central committee says, it would make campaigns cost-effective, time-saving and hassle-free. Sheikh Hasina would make fewer visits compared with what she did in electioneering in the past when rallies and processions were the main method of campaigns.

From the constituencies she is contesting the polls, those only she will be addressing personally, otherwise, she will address most of the voters through video conferencing. So, now she will visit five divisional headquarters and three parliamentary constituencies. Those are; Rangpur-6, Bagerhat-1 and Gopalganj-3.

Sheikh Hasina is expected to visit TUNGIPARA, her parental home in Gopalganj district on December 17 where her late father Great Leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founder president of Bangladesh lies.

AL, in principle decided to use information and communications technology for election campaigns this time. The Party President Hasina will address voters and party activists across the country through video conferencing, the party's presidium member Matia Chowdhury said. Hasina will not visit the districts unless any emergency arises.

The party also decided to use mobiles to send text messages to seek votes, the party's spokesman Syed Ashraful Islam said.

The leaders and activists of the party and its associate bodies will be asked to send messages via e-mail seeking support for the candidates of the Awami League-led alliance, he said.

The party leaders in principle also agreed to buy satellite television channel slots, subject to availability, for publicity of the election agendas of the party and partners. The also contacted cable television channels to publicize its election pledges.

The party formally launched its campaign on Friday unveiling its 23-point election manifesto, 'Charter for change,' giving priority to arrest goods price increase, measures against corruption, energy security, elimination of poverty and inequality and good governance.

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