Jasim Uddin, the Gono Odhikar Parishad candidate for the Cumilla-4 (Debidwar) constituency, has announced a boycott of the election, alleging widespread rigging and irregularities.
Jasim Uddin, who contested the polls with the ‘truck’ symbol and enjoyed the support of the BNP, made the announcement during a Facebook Live broadcast at approximately 5pm pm on Thursday.
One of his primary rivals in the seat is Hasnat Abdullah, the chief organiser of the NCP and a candidate representing the 11-party alliance.
Jasim Uddin claimed that ballots were snatched at various polling centres and his activists were physically assaulted, with some left bloodied and others forcibly ousted from the stations.
He further alleged that voters were threatened at their homes, votes were purchased with money, and that “they were casting votes among themselves.” Uddin stated that he decided to boycott the election after considering the overall situation and the safety of the public.
BNP had officially extended its support to the Gono Odhikar Parishad candidate after its own nominee, Manjurul Ahsan Munsi, had his candidacy cancelled due to allegations of loan default.
Following a coalition decision, BNP leaders and activists had been actively campaigning for Jasim Uddin’s ‘truck’ symbol on the ground.
