“People have got astonished seeing that the government is observing voter day today (Friday) after snatching their voting right in the December-30 national election and yesterday’s (Thursday) by-election to Dhaka North City Corporation Mayor post,” he said.
The BNP leader further said, “When people can’t exercise their right to franchise, the voter is being observed with a slogan ‘Be voter and cast your vote’. It’s a ridiculous matter. The government is mocking the nation by marking such a day after stanching people’s voting rights.”
Mosharraf, a BNP standing committee member, made the remarks while talking to reporters after placing a wreath at party founder Ziaur Rahman’s grave together with leaders and activists of Jatiyatabadi Matsyajibi Dal, marking its 40th founding anniversary.
He said people did not go to the polling stations to cast their votes in the DNCC by-election, except where the councilor election was held. ”But it’s surprising that Awami League candidate got 8.39 lakh votes. “Who’ve given so many votes?”
The BNP leader alleged that the ruling party indulged in vote fraud in the by-polls as it did the same in the national election.
Mosharraf also said the voters registered their protest against “vote robbery by the ruling party and administration in the national election” by not showing up at the polling stations on Thursday.
“People have lost their confidence in the government and the election commission. That’s why they didn’t cast their votes yesterday (Thursday),” he said.
The BNP leader said it is now a big challenge for their party to restore democracy and people’s voting rights in the country.
“We’re reorganising our party and associate bodies. We believe that BNP will surely turnaround and restore democracy and people’s voting rights,” he said.