“I would like to warn that if any obstacle is created towards holding a fair election and any move is taken to retain power by force, the country’s situation will take a ‘dangerous’ turn which is not expected by anyone,” he said while releasing the alliance’s manifesto at a city hotel on Monday.
The Oikyafront chief called upon all to remain alert about the government’s various moves and be vocal with courage to ensure a credible election.
“Time has come for the country’s people to put up a resistance and take back their ownership of the country through united efforts, he observed.
Dr Kamal urged voters to go to polling stations on December 30 to exercise their right to franchise and check irregularities. “December 30 will be a day of mass upsurge.”
Describing the arrest of opposition activists involved in election activities as an illegal act, he claimed that around of 1900 leaders and activists of their alliance were arrested across the country over the last a few days. “It’s a matter of national shame.”
The Oikyafront chief urged the police not to arrest opposition activists by obeying any illegal order. “I would like to remind the police that abiding by any illegal order is a crime.”
He called upon the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to uphold the reputation he gained over the years, and take steps to stop the indiscriminate arrest of opposition activists just 10 to 12 days before the national election
Voicing deep concern over the attacks on Oikyafront candidates and their supporters, Dr Kamal said, “I remain engage in election activities for over 50 years, but never saw such a situation in the past. Every candidate has been subjected to attacks.”
BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the Oikyafront’s manifesto has been formulated based on people’s demands and desires.
He hoped that people will defeat those who are trying to destroy the spirit of the Liberation War and snatch all democratic rights through casting their votes on December 30 bereaving all obstacles.
Jatiya Oikyafront rolled out its 35-point election manifesto with various promises, including ensuring the balance between the power of the President and the Prime Minister, and introducing upper house in Parliament.