Jamaat-e-Islami-backed Noakhali-5 candidate Belayet Hossain on Sunday alleged widespread voter intimidation and systematic obstruction of his campaign ahead of the election.
Speaking at a press conference at the Noakhali Press Club, he claimed voters in Ward 3 of Kabirhat Municipality were being threatened under the leadership of a Jubo Dal leader, alleging they were warned their “legs would be broken” if they went to polling centres.
Hossain said he had submitted video footage and written complaints to the local police station, the superintendent of police and the deputy commissioner but alleged that no effective action had followed.
He also cited multiple incidents on 20 and 22 December, alleging that a women’s yard meeting in Devipur village of Niyazpur union was attacked by a group led by a Jubo Dal leader, while another women’s gathering in Sadullapur village of Narottampur union was obstructed and attacked by a separate group.
In addition, he alleged that female campaign workers in Ward 1 of Niyazpur union were blocked while carrying out election activities.
Questioning the neutrality of the administration, Hossain said the election outcome ultimately rested with voters but warned that fear tactics and disruption of lawful campaigning were unacceptable.
He urged the authorities to take immediate steps to ensure a fair and conducive environment for the polls.
The press conference was attended by District Jamaat Publicity and Media Director Borhan Uddin, Companiganj Upazila Ameer Mosharraf Hossain and Upazila Secretary Ayub Ali, among others.
