National Citizen Party (NCP) Chief Organiser for Northern Region Sarjis Alam has said the era of so-called heavyweight candidates is over, arguing that Bangladesh’s political landscape had fundamentally changed.
Speaking to journalists on Sunday after the fourth day of mass contact and courtyard meetings in Amarkhana Union of the Panchagarh-1 constituency, the Shapla Koli candidate of the 11-party alliance predicted a landslide defeat for what he described as self-proclaimed heavyweight leaders of major political parties.
Sarjis said that since the August 2024 revolution, change had reached every household, and voters were now waiting for polling day to cast their ballots against oppression.
He said the electorate was ready to deliver a verdict against extortion, land grabbing, threats, abuse of power and what he termed the litigation trade.
Alleging political double standards, Alam said some politicians who had acted as oppressors over the past 15 months were now trying to present themselves as angels, adding that voters recognised such “chameleon-like” behaviour and would make the right choice.
The NCP leader expressed confidence that a united Bangladesh, standing for justice and ordinary people, would emerge victorious and form the next government.
However, he raised concerns over alleged intimidation in his constituency, claiming some BNP activists were threatening voters, including a Jamaat-e-Islami worker, warning them of consequences after the election if they did not vote for the Sheaf of Paddy symbol.
Issuing a warning, Alam said those trying to seize power through fear and intimidation would face a downfall more terrible than that of Sheikh Hasina, adding that the people of Bangladesh were no longer what they once were.
Calling for a free and neutral election, he said people must be allowed to vote freely and added that his party would remain with the people throughout the process, expressing confidence of victory alongside voters.
