Narayanganj, Dec 21 – BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday said their party leaders and activists will defy any sort of obstruction on the election day on December 30.“A candidate with the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ symbol means a representative of our leader Khaleda Zia. She’ll be released with your one vote. Keeping it in mind, come to the polling stations together with your family members and neighbours in the morning on the polling day,” he said.
Speaking at an election rally, the BNP leader further said, “On December 30, we’ll defy all obstacles. Stay at the voting centres until the vote counting after casting your votes. We’ll leave the polling stations with the victory.”
SM Akram, Jatiya Oikyafront candidate for Narayanganj-5 constituency, arranged the rally at the municipality field at Sonakanda here.
Urging all to be vigilant, the BNP secretary general said, “They (Awami League) are expert in vote-rigging and they’re also planning to stuff ballot boxes the night before the voting.… so, stay alert from the night and guard the polling centres from the day before the polling.”
He also urged members of law enforcement agencies, including the armed forces, to perform their duties neutrally, saying, “You’re responsible for holding the election and you’re oath-bound that you’ll work neutrally. That’s what the nation expects. Please work in people’s interest, don’t go against the people.”
Fakhrul also urged the BNP leaders and activists to work hard and make door-to-door visits to woo voters. “Only over a week is left. Work hard to organise the ‘revolutionary’ people of Narayanganj. Don’t be afraid, there’s nothing to fear for. People die only once.”
Oikyafront’s senior leaders, including Krishak Sramik Janata League president Abdul Kader Siddique and Gonoshasthaya Kendra founder Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury, among others, spoke on the occasion.
AL men ‘block’ road to foil Oikyafront’s rally
Earlier, Awami League men allegedly blocked the Dhaka-Chattogram highway burning tyres at Madanpur in Bandar upazila apparently to foil Oikyafront’s rally in Sonakanda.
BNP leaders alleged that the AL men took a position on the road in Kanchpur Bridge area with sticks and put barricade on the road around 3pm, barring the Oikyafront leaders and their motorcade from approaching further.
Later, the Oikyafront leaders with the help of law enforcers reached the venue using an alternative route.
Harun-or-Rashid, Narayanganj Police Super, said police rushed in and made all necessary arrangements for holding the rally.
Police also made sure that Oikyafront leaders and their motorcade reached Dhaka safely after their meeting, he added. – UNB
