Eleven-party alliance candidate Delwar Hossain said that although power has changed hands, the culture of extortion and oppression remains unchanged.
He made the remarks on Tuesday afternoon while addressing an election rally at Patiadangi High School ground in Rajagaon Union of Sadar upazila, alleging that corruption, extortion and tender manipulation seen before 5 August were continuing in the same manner.
Delwar Hossain alleged that his campaign was being obstructed, claiming that female workers of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami were being blocked while canvassing for votes and that some BNP activists were restricting the movement of Jamaat leaders and workers in certain areas.
He said every party and candidate has a constitutional right to seek votes and warned that any attempt to hinder that right would be challenged legally, adding that Jamaat’s preference for a peaceful election should not be seen as weakness.
“If threats or obstacles arise before the election, we will not accept them,” he said, demanding a level playing field for all candidates and claiming that Jamaat and Islami Chhatra Shibir activists had never obstructed opponents’ campaigns.
Calling voter intimidation undemocratic, he said the public would deliver its verdict at the ballot on 12 February, adding that various surveys suggested growing support for Jamaat-e-Islami.
He also said politicians over 70 should step aside to allow younger leaders to come forward, pledging to work for Thakurgaon’s development and to prevent corruption and irregularities.
The rally was attended by Thakurgaon district Jamaat Secretary Mohammad Alamgir Hossain and Thakurgaon city Chhatra Shibir President Mahmudul Hasan, along with party activists.
