Zahir Raihan’s son Topu Raihan in the field as a candidate for Dhaka-17 constituency

Topu Raihan, son of renowned filmmaker and writer Shahid Zahir Raihan, has announced that he will go beyond traditional politics and participate in the 13th National Parliament election with a new political philosophy focused on social welfare. At a press conference organized at the Abdus Salam Hall of the National Press Club on Sunday (November 9), Topu Raihan announced that he will contest the election from Dhaka-17 constituency. He outlined his political goals, ideas and election outline at the press conference.

Topu Raihan said, "I have not come to do any traditional politics. We need a government that is free from corruption, free from partisanship, and free from political agendas, oriented towards public welfare. My father Zahir Raihan dreamed of a humanist society. I also believe that it is possible to do human welfare politics without being a member of any political party."

He said that he has already started identifying area-based problems for Dhaka-17 constituency. Effective models are being created to solve specific problems in different regions, including the Karail slums. In his words, I will publish the area-based manifesto this month. I will go to all the candidates with that manifesto and seek their cooperation.

Promising to build a cooperative political culture, Topu Raihan said, "Whether I win or not, I will work with whoever becomes the MP in Dhaka-17 constituency after the election and work on the development of the area." He also announced plans to form an advisory board of experts to assist in policymaking and budget formulation.

Incidentally, Dhaka-17 constituency consists of Gulshan, Banani, Niketan, Mohakhali, Baridhara, Shahjadpur and a part of Dhaka Cantonment areas. It will be seen on the polling field whether Zahir Raihan's son Topu Raihan wins in the eyes of the voters.