Fair polls in Thakurgaon-1 under threat, alleges Jamaat leader

Thakurgaon Correspondent: Doubts have been raised over whether the upcoming by-election in Thakurgaon-1 (Sadar-Ruhia-Vulli) will be held in a free and fair manner.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General and Rangpur-Dinajpur region Director Maulana Abdul Halim expressed the concern at a press conference held on Friday, 23 October, at the Thakurgaon Government Boys` High School field, locally known as Boro Math.

The press conference was organized to brief the media about preparations for an election rally scheduled for Saturday, 24 October, at the same venue, in support of 11-party alliance candidate Delawar Hossain.

Maulana Halim alleged that leaders and activists campaigning for the Daripalla (scales) symbol are facing regular threats and obstruction.

"Our workers are being threatened at their homes. A woman activist has even been forced to leave her house," he claimed. He further alleged that BNP activists are pressuring general voters to go to polling centres, cast their vote for the Dhaner Shish (paddy sheaf) symbol and show it openly.

If such a situation continues, he warned, ordinary voters may lose interest in going to the polls. "Do not make the country volatile centering an election. We do not want to see Thakurgaon as another Magura," he said.

Calling upon the Election Commission and the administration, the Jamaat leader said all concerned must play a responsible role to ensure a fair election.

"Whether the ruling party wins or loses, or the opposition wins or loses, is not the main issue. What is needed is the victory of the democratic process. If BNP loses, the government will not fall, and if the opposition wins, it will not be a great victory either," he said.

He urged all five candidates to create a festive atmosphere like Eid and to accept the verdict of the people. He also called upon voters not to forget the spirit of the 12 February national election and to come to polling centres without fear.

Speaking at the same press conference, 11-party alliance candidate Delawar Hossain said the eyes of 18 crore people and the media are now on Thakurgaon.

He claimed that despite repeated assurances of a level playing field by the government, local administration and the Returning Officer, it has not been ensured yet.

"Even before allocation of symbols, banners, festoons and billboards of Dhaner Shish were put up in different parts of Thakurgaon. Although campaign mikes are supposed to be used after 2 pm, they are being used from morning," he alleged.

He further alleged that he and his activists are facing obstruction, attacks and threats regularly and that written complaints to election authorities have brought no remedy.

He also complained that the Boro Math, which had remained banner-free, has now been covered with Dhaner Shish banners ahead of their rally, which he said undermines political courtesy.

Other leaders present at the press conference included former Thakurgaon District Ameer Maulana Abdul Hakim, former Dinajpur District Ameer Anwarul Islam, Thakurgaon District Ameer Professor Belal Uddin Pradhan, District Secretary and Election Director Mohammad Alamgir and DUCSU Transport Secretary Asif Abdullah, among others.

According to the organizers, Jamaat Secretary General and former MP Mia Golam Parwar, Assistant Secretary General and 11-party alliance coordinator Dr. A.H.M. Hamidur Rahman Azad, Islami Chhatra Shibir Central Secretary General Sibgatullah and DUCSU VP Sadik Kayem are expected to attend Saturday`s rally at Boro Math.