Chairman of the BNP Election Steering Committee Nazrul Islam Khan has said that involvement in vote buying is unacceptable, regardless of which party or individual is involved.
He stated that the people expect the Election Commission (EC) to take a firm stance on this matter and issue a clear warning so that no one engages in such activities in the future.
The BNP leader made these remarks during a media briefing at the EC office on Wednesday, following a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin.
Regarding claims that incidents of vote buying are “dramas,” Nazrul Islam Khan said that dramas require the consent of actors.
During the briefing, he stated that multiple incidents of vote buying have recently come to light in various parts of the country. He informed that the EC has been provided with information regarding people preventing relief distribution in Chittagong; locals apprehending a Jamaat leader attempting to buy votes with money in Alipur village, Godagari, Rajshahi; a video of money distribution in Sylhet; an apprehension during money distribution in Tarakanda, Mymensingh; an individual arrested with substantial cash during an army and police operation in Ramu, Cox’s Bazar; a person caught by villagers in Kahalu, Bogura; and a video of direct money distribution in Lakshmipur.
Nazrul Islam Khan said they have requested the EC to take necessary legal action against those involved. Simultaneously, he stressed the importance of a clear warning from the EC to reassure the public.
He also expressed dissatisfaction regarding a statement attributed to EC Senior Secretary published in the media. News reports indicated that the statement mentioned carrying 50 lakh or even Tk5 crore if necessary. Nazrul Islam Khan questioned why such a statement was needed when, during the same period, limits have been imposed on bKash transactions to prevent vote buying.
He said that the concerned official has reportedly denied making such a statement. “In this instance, someone is not telling the truth,” he said. “If the statement was made, it encourages excessive expenditure during elections. If it was not made, publishing such news is a serious wrongdoing.”
Nazrul Islam Khan also raised questions regarding a statement made by an official concerning carrying cash at Saidpur Airport. He said that if there is no restriction on carrying cash on domestic routes, the necessity for permission remains unclear.
He also expressed doubt regarding the justification for volunteering such a statement without being questioned.
Regarding allegations of conspiracy to derail the election, he commented that the country is going through a sensitive time. He remarked that many beneficiaries of those who were in power for a long time remain active and attempts to derail the election may occur.
Expressing overall optimism about the election environment, Nazrul Islam Khan said that despite various conspiracy attempts, the people’s interest is stronger, and they want the election to take place and to take place fairly.
