Dr Kamal skeptical about fair polls

Senior Correspondent: In the wake of ‘attacks’ on the Jatiya Oikyafront candidates in many places and the arrest of its leaders and activists, alliance chief Dr Kamal Hossain on Sunday feared whether the government will allow a credible election in the country.

“There remains a fear (about fair election) as they (govt) could have read people’s pulses,” he said while addressing a press conference at the Oikyafront’s Purana Paltan office in the afternoon.

Dr Kamal made the remarks while replying to a question from reporters whether there is any move to foil the election.

He, however, said he did not want to say anything about any move to foil the polls. “We’re only giving you the information but I don’t want to make any comment over it (foiling election).”

As per the Constitution, people are owners of the country and they will elect their representatives through an election, the Oikyafront leader said.

He said they have been carrying out a movement to ensure a free, fair and impartial election.

Dr Kamal urged journalists to play a vital role so that people can cast their votes properly and independently.

About attacks on Oikyafront candidates and their supports at different parts of the country, he said it is very regrettable that voters are being intimidated while candidates are being obstructed from carrying out electioneering. “The candidates are being shot during election campaign but no legal action is being taken against the attackers.”

The Oikyafront chief also alleged that the opposition candidates are being harassed and arrested destroying the election atmosphere.

He feared what will happen on the election days as the way opposition candidates and their supporters are now being attacked and repressed.

Dr Kamal urged the country’s people to guard polling stations on December 30 and remain alert so that voters can exercise their franchise properly.

He also said they will present their alliance’s election manifesto at a press conference at Hotel Purbani in the city at 11am on Monday.

Samajtantrik Dal president ASM Abdur Rob, Nagorik Oikya convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna and BNP Vice-chairman Abdul Awal Mintoo, among others, spoke at the press conference.


risingbd/Dhaka/December 16, 2018/Reza/AKA