Nahid alleges lack of level playing field
Staff Reporter :
Jamaat alliance candidate for Dhaka-11 and National Citizen Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam on Sunday alleged that a level playing field has yet to be ensured for
Bangladesh’s upcoming national election, claiming that his supporters are facing intimidation as campaigning intensifies.
Speaking to voters while campaigning at several locations in the Badda–Satarkul area on Sunday morning, Nahid said Jamaat alliance activists were being subjected to pressure aimed at discouraging political participation ahead of the polls.
“Although there is no direct obstruction to campaigning, a climate of fear is being deliberately created so that people refrain from going to polling centres,” he said, adding that such efforts would not succeed.
Nahid also accused the Election Commission of failing to maintain neutrality, alleging that he had been served with a show-cause notice for campaigning in favour of a referendum, while, he claimed, no action had been taken against others for promoting their respective political parties.
“The Election Commission must act impartially. Singling out one side undermines confidence in the electoral process,” he told supporters.
The NCP convener said the election would mark a decisive break from what he described as a culture of extortion, terrorism and land grabbing.
“People expected extortion and land grabbing to stop after 5 August, but that has not happened in some cases. February 12, the election day, will be the final day for extortionists,” Nahid said, drawing applause from the crowd.
Highlighting various local problems in Dhaka-11, he assured residents that he would work to address long-standing civic and infrastructure issues if elected.
“This election is not just about a change of power; it is about building a new Bangladesh,” he said. “It is going to be a historic election where new dynamics will be seen in the electoral field.”
Calling on voters to exercise their franchise freely, Nahid urged people to choose candidates carefully.
“Vote for whoever you choose, but do so after careful consideration, because this election will determine the fate of Bangladesh,” he said, also appealing to residents not to be influenced by money, inducements or what he termed false promises.
“Think carefully and vote for a deserving candidate who is truly capable of bringing change to your area and the country,” he added.
During the campaign, Nahid called on voters to support him by voting for the ‘Shapla Kali’ symbol and to cast a ‘Yes’ vote in the referendum.The Election Commission has not immediately responded to Nahid’s allegations.