Describing the administration’s recent conduct as a “test match”, NCP’s southern region chief organiser Hasnat Abdullah said attempts were again under way to use the police in the old Awami League manner.
“What everyone saw yesterday was a kind of test match,” he said, adding that efforts were being made to revive past practices of politicising law enforcement.
He made the remarks at a roadside election rally of the 11-party alliance at Bhairab Chattar, the heart of Jashore city, around noon on Saturday, where he spoke as a candidate of the alliance from Cumilla-4.
Urging the administration to remain neutral, Hasnat said the uniform worn by officials symbolises public trust and reminded them that they are accountable to their conscience, not to any political party. “Work for the people, because it is the people’s money that pays your salaries,” he said.
Accusing one political party of harassing women by forcing them to remove hijab, acting as “agents of India”, and engaging in terrorism, extortion and tender manipulation, he said such forces do not represent the needs, demands or aspirations of the people of Bangladesh.
Pointing to what he called contradictory politics, Hasnat said the party’s leaders speak in favour of ‘yes’ one day, while their activists campaign for ‘no’ the next. He added that the 11-party alliance stands for justice and is on the threshold of victory.
Referring to fear among businesspeople, he said party activists must go door to door and remember that votes do not belong to candidates but to the people. Even those involved in extortion want a better future for their children, he said, adding that they too must be engaged.
Recalling past pressure tactics, he said figures such as DB Harun and Benazir Ahmed once exerted influence but are no longer relevant. “Do not forget the July movement,” he said. “The people could not be stopped even with bullets and ammunition. Abandon the mindset of servitude.”
Calling the polls an election to free the country from domination, rebuild the state and bury fascism, Hasnat urged voters to be present at polling centres from 7:30 am on the 12th and to guard the centres until results are declared. “That day, the people of Jashore will secure their victory,” he said.
After the rally, a colourful election procession was brought out from Bhairab Chattar and paraded through different streets of the city.
