Supporters are being picked up to hamper campaigns, Tabith Awal’s mother alleges

Mother of the BNP-endorsed Dhaka North City Corporation mayor candidate Tabith Mohammed Awal has alleged there are indirect attempts to impede the campaigns of the candidates not favoured by the Awami League.

Nasrin Awal also expressed her apprehension over free and fair elections while campaigning for her son at Mohammadpur on Thursday.

All BNP-backed candidates for the Apr 28 polls to the three city corporations in Dhaka and Chittagong have been alleging about their campaigns being obstructed.

“Though there is no direct obstruction, our boys are being picked up from the processions as criminals. It’s not fair. It’s not a level playing field,” Nasrin said.

“If this continues, the election will not be fair. Since even the prime minister has said she wants fair elections, I think the matter of creating level playing field should be given due importance,” she added.

Asked if she complained to the Election Commission, she said, “We are doing that. They are listening and recording our complaints. But it is now up to them to take action.”

Tabith published his manifesto at his election office at Tejgaon Link Road in the morning.

He emphasised nine points to build Dhaka as a modern, liveable and ideal city.

He campaigned in Nikunja area in the afternoon following a meeting with pro-BNP Doctors' Association of Bangladesh (DAB).

Tabith got BNP’s support after his father, former FBCCI chief, Abdul Awal Mintoo’s nomination was cancelled.

He is fighting with ‘bus’ as his poll symbol.

Mintoo has not not seen campaigning for his son. But his wife has been canvassing and even claimed to have got ‘great response.’

An entrepreneur, Nasrin said, “I am surprised and happy to get support from the people wherever I am going. I have not seen a single person so far refusing to take our leaflets.”

Tabith’s main rival is another former FBCCI chief Annisul Huq. Ruling Awami League is supporting Huq who is contesting with the symbol, table clock.

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