BNP Standing Committee Member and Chairman of the party’s Central Election steering Committee Nazrul Islam Khan on Wednesday urged party leaders, activists and voters to guard polling centres in shifts to ensure a free and fair election.
He made the call at an emergency press conference held at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan on Wednesday night.
Nazrul alleged that various “illegal activities” are taking place in different parts of the country and expressed concern over incidents involving activists of Jamaat-e-Islami and the NCP.
“Through you, we request all our leaders and activists, as well as the people of the country, to ensure that what we are about to achieve after years of struggle is not obstructed,” he said.
“You will guard the polling centres in shifts. Everyone will go to the polling stations, cast their votes and remain there until the results are announced,” Nazrul added.
He said the party wants the election to be held in a free, fair and neutral manner. “Our goal is to establish a strong democratic government with the support of the people and to ensure the welfare of the country in the coming days.
Referring to alleged incidents in Dhaka, Thakurgaon, Shariatpur, Noakhali and other areas, Nazrul claimed that there have been attempts to infiltrate polling centres and engage in financial transactions.
He also mentioned a reported incident at Saidpur Airport involving the recovery of money from a local leader.
“We want tomorrow’s election to be free, fair and neutral. Many of our colleagues have sacrificed their lives for this. We want the democratic rights of the people to be established,” the BNP leader said.
He said if entrusted with responsibility, their party will work to implement its election manifesto.
Nazrul also protested what he described as “false reports” regarding the recovery of money from the vehicle of Shahid Uddin Chowdhury, the BNP candidate for Laxmipur-3.
Members of the party’s election steering committee, including Ismail Zabihullah and Mahdi Amin, and BNP Chairman’s Press Secretary Saleh Shibli, were present at the briefing.