National Citizen Party (NCP) spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain alleged on Tuesday that government officials are openly seeking votes for the BNP’s electoral symbol, the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ (Dhaner Shish), as the national election draws near.
Addressing an election rally at Singra bus stand, Asif Mahmud said the administration is reverting to its previous partisan behaviour. He blamed the Election Commission and the government for encouraging officials to support BNP publicly, which he called a threat to democracy.
“Recently, a presiding officer in Panchagarh was seen asking for votes for the ‘sheaf of paddy’, on social media. We believe this is a danger to democracy,” he said.
Asif Mahmud also claimed that complaints filed by the 11-party alliance with the Election Commission receive no response, while actions are taken quickly when BNP members file allegations against any candidate.
He added that after a candidate was summoned with a show-cause notice, the concerned officer was transferred the next day.
He warned that if anyone tries to regain power through a manipulated election using administrative influence, they will not succeed as they did under Sheikh Hasina.
“Sheikh Hasina came to power through three rigged elections, but in post-5 August Bangladesh, that will no longer be possible. If necessary, people will give their lives for their right to vote,” he said.
SM Jarjis Kadir for Natore-3, said many young people in Singra are addicted to drugs and remain unemployed despite being educated. He promised to create employment opportunities if elected.
“Previously, we only saw promises. If Almighty wills and you entrust me with responsibility, I will work to create jobs for thousands of people,” he said.
NCP Joint Secretary and Election Steering Committee Secretary Monira Sharmin said the administration is not responsive to their concerns and the level playing field is not being ensured.
She also alleged that Hindu homes are being burned in Chattogram, but police are reluctant to act because no written complaints have been filed.
Monira Sharmin added that voters in Natore-3 are fortunate to have a teacher like SM Jarjis Kadir as their candidate and pledged that the NCP and allied parties will work together to secure his victory.
Chief Coordinator of NCP Election Steering Committee and youth wing convener Tarikul Islam said they will guard polling centres to protect the voting rights of the people.
“Those who attempt to seize polling stations to win will be stopped. The public will show them a red card,” he said.
Senior NCP leaders and representatives of the 11-party alliance, including Faysal Mahmud Shanto, Sadia Farzana Dina, Rafiqul Islam Konok, Rasel Ahmed Molla, Hafizur Rahman Moyna, and Tahash Noor, among others, attended the rally.
