Sylhet: Finance Minister AMA Muhith on Sunday observed that the ruling Awami League-backed mayoral candidates of the recent elections to five city corporations suffered defeats as people always opt for a change.

 “The ruling party candidates were defeated in the city polls as the country’s people prefer a change. The more happiness people enjoy, the more they want,” he said.

The minister was talking to reporters after attending a programme organised by Social Development Foundation (SDF) in the district.

Replying to a query, the minister said there will be little impact of the defeats in the city polls on the next parliamentary polls. “So, the areas where the government is in problem should be improved.” he said.

On June 15, the ruling alliance-backed mayoral hopefuls of the elections to four other city corporations — Khulna, Rajshahi, Sylhet and Barisal — lost to the opposition alliance-blessed candidates.

On Saturday, another opposition-backed contender, MA Mannan, won a landslide victory in the much-hyped Gazipur City Corporation election.

Listing the success of the government, Muhith said they are working for the development of the poverty-stricken people. “The government has done a lot of good works, but there’re miscreants and land grabbers among us (govt).”

Local MP Shafiqur Rahman Chowdhury and Sylhet deputy commissioner Shahidul Islam were, among others, present.

Ends/ AMA/08/07/13