Zahir Raihan’s son to contest in Dhaka-17 constituency

Topu Raihan, son of renowned filmmaker and writer Shaheed Zahir Raihan, has announced that he will contest in the 13th National Parliamentary Election.

He made the announcement at a press conference held at Abdus Salam Hall of the National Press Club on Sunday.

At the conference, Topu Raihan said he did not enter politics in a conventional way. His goal is to establish a creative administration free from corruption, party influence, and centred on public welfare.

He said, “My father Zahir Raihan was politically aware, but he was not affiliated with any party. I believe that it is possible to pursue humanitarian politics within a parliamentary democracy without being a member of any political party.”

Topu Raihan will contest from the Dhaka-17 constituency, which consists of Wards 15, 18, 19 and 20 of Dhaka North City Corporation and the areas under Dhaka Cantonment Police Station, including parts of Gulshan, Banani, Niketan, Baridhara, Mohakhali, Shahjadpur and the Cantonment.

He said he has initiated plans to prepare area-specific manifestos to address local problems.

He said, “We are developing sustainable solution models for specific regions by identifying issues such as those in Karail slum.”

Topu Raihan mentioned that these area-based manifestos will be published later this month. Afterwards, he will meet all candidates and seek cooperation.

He said, “Collaborative political culture is the core of my campaign. Whether I win or not, I will work with the elected candidate for the development of Dhaka-17 after the election.”

He also said that he is forming an advisory committee of experts to coordinate with the government.

He said, “This committee will assist me in every step of policy formulation, budget preparation and implementation.”