BNP’s victory confirmed if voters can reach polling centres, says Moudud

BNP leader Moudud Ahmed has urged the party leaders and activists to prevent the ruling Awami League's efforts to hinder the voters from going to the polls.

The people in the country are so frustrated with the government that they will vote for the 'paddy sheaf' to win if they are allowed to cast their ballots on Dec 30, he said.

The BNP boycotted the 10th national election but are contesting the 11th national election despite their complaints over the ruling party influencing the election.

There has been an upsurge among the people in support of paddy sheaf. The ruling party won’t be able to handle it if the people can cast their votes,” said BNP Standing Committee Member Moudud Ahmed.

“Therefore, we must explain to the voters that no matter how many barriers they face, or threats are made, they must go to the polling centres to vote. They must answer all the misdeeds of the government through exercising their voting rights.”

“Everyone is determined to show them what they deserve, if possible. The entire people in the country has the same feeling,” said Mahmudur Rahman Manna, convener of Nagarik Oikya, an ally of the BNP.

“This is not a struggle for the BNP or Jatiya Oikya Front only, but a struggle for the 100 million voters. No matter what obstacle they face -- arrest, torture or anything else, the people must go to vote, as it is the last chance. Begum Zia will be released from jail if you vote; you’ll be spared from all these tortures if you vote.”

“The police arrested three election candidates over the last two days. They will increase the number of arrests and continue to file false cases,” said Moudud.

“Yesterday I heard in my neighbourhood that they brought extra police forces from other areas and will raid the households at night to ensure no leaders and activists can stay.”

“It’s my vote and I’ll cast it for whom I choose; I’ll fight for my voting right,” Moudud said, quoting a woman voter in his constituency.

“We have no option but to protest; we have nothing else but to vote.”

Moudud complained of code of conduct violations by his rival candidate, Noakhali Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, on the day of the nomination submission.

“I know it’s going to be a tough fight, almost an impossible one. But we have to make it possible. We are moving forward to fight, as we have no option,” said Manna.

“The people in the country are supporting you and I can see that wherever I go,” said Zafrullah Chowdhury, trustee of Gonoshyastho Kendra.

“This government can’t remain in power. The boat has capsized. Nobody can rescue it,” he said

The discussion on the level-playing field in elections was organised jointly by ‘Adarsha Nagorik Andolon’ and ‘National Human Rights Movement.’