Asraf Chowdhury is a Fine Gael candidate for Galway West for the upcoming Local Elections. Asraf has lived and worked in Galway for over 20 years. Over this time, Asraf has been an active representative for the Bangladeshi community, setting up and partaking in numerous projects. Proudly supported by his wife and two children, he lives in Knocknacarra with his loving family. Asraf is dedicated to making a difference in his local community.
Asraf is making history as he is the is the first migrant candidate to stand for Fine Gael in Galway city. He takes great pride in his Bangladeshi heritage, and this is displayed by the numerous roles and projects he has taken part in. He founded and organised the Bangladesh Community in Galway and was also the Vice President of the Bangladesh Sports Association of Ireland (BSAI ).
In 2022, Asraf took on the role of election commissioner for the All Bangladesh Association of Ireland, overseeing a large voter base of nearly 5000 members. He is committed to voter education and ensuring as many people as possible register to vote.
Asraf is wholeheartedly committed to making Galway city a better place for everybody. If elected he will focus on these key areas:
Reduced traffic congestion
An enhanced cross-city bus service
Better sports facilities for young people
Cleaner, safer communities
Voter education
Asraf has flagged improving bus services as extremely important. In his view, people are tired and growing increasingly frustrated having to wait 45 minutes to an hour for buses to arrive, or in some cases not even coming at all. Knocknacarra, which he refers to as a “mini-city” needs more frequent and reliable bus services into the city according to Asraf.
Asraf also acknowledges that there is no direct bus from Knocknacarra to Parkmore, and this is something he is keen on addressing.
One of Asraf’s main goals is to reduce traffic congestion in Galway City. He wishes to propose a temporary solution to the council of opening the bus lanes in the city to drivers from 7am to 10am and 5pm to 7pm to help tackle the crowds of traffic during rush hour. This temporary solution would help ease the congestion in the city, while plans for a more permanent solution are drawn up.
Asraf believes that the participation of young people in sports is vital. In order, to keep young people involved in sport, Asraf feels that better facilities citywide is integral, as well as more sports and more competition for the young people of Galway.
Asraf Chowdhury will be running in the upcoming Local Elections alongside former mayor Clodagh Higgins on the 7th of June 2024 and he will be seeking your support. Asraf would love to get the opportunity to work for his local community and he would be honoured to represent Galway West in the council chamber.