Jatiya Oikyafront chief Dr Kamal Hossain on Wednesday warned that the consequences will be very bad if the 11th parliamentary elections are not held in a fair and credible manner.
“I see a very bright future of the country if the election is held in a fair and acceptable manner. But if a fair election is affected and halted, the consequences will be very dangerous. Everyone should keep it in mind,” he said.
Dr Kamal issued the warning while speaking at a discussion at Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) as the chief guest.Bangladesh Human Rights Federation arranged the programme on human rights, good governance and voting rights, marking the International Human Rights Day and the country’s Victory Day.
Mentioning that only 10 days are left for the election, the Oikyafront chief called upon the Election Commission (EC) to exert its all constitutional power to ensure a credible balloting and protect people’s voting rights and the count’s independence. “Refrain from implementing the government’s unfair directives.”He alleged that the police are violating the human rights by creating panic among people. “You (EC) have now all the authorities to stop police from arresting people.”
Voters have their constitutional guarantee to exercise their right to franchise independently. I think you (EC) are aware of it, but remind you again. Use your constitutional power to prevent the police from doing unfair acts,” Dr Kamal, also the Gano Forum, President, added.He questioned whether the EC has given police any charge to attack people and obstruct them from carrying out electioneering.
“Why’re there so many police personnel on the streets? Whether the law-and-order situation has reached such a situation that the police now need to stand on the streets. If anyone calls it good governance, I’ll say that person is lying. Even, I can say this standing before the police — arrest me if you can,” the Gono Forum leader said.He alleged that the government is trying to stage a farce in the name of election by letting police loose against common people.
The Oikyafront chief said the government should not forget that the nation attained the independence and a constitution at the cost of blood of 30 lakh martyrs. “We’re ready to give you all the 300 seats if you want to hold a so-called election.”He said the government is trying to have its candidates elected by force to retain power for another five years.
Under the circumstances, Dr Kamal said people must get united to exercise their voting rights and ensure good governance and human rights. “I’m observing that the worry of people over their voting rights is growing.”He said it will be an onslaught on the country’s independence if people fail to cast their votes independently. “No one should carry out such attack as it’s tantamount to sedition.”
source: UNB
