Dhaka: Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Monju has expressed dissatisfaction with the current polling environment, warning that failure to conduct a free and fair election could result in another mass movement. Monju's remarks came after a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin at the Election Commission's Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Monju highlighted several issues during the meeting, emphasizing that the environment necessary for a fair election has not been fully achieved. He urged for intervention from the BNP chairperson, suggesting that such action could ensure at least a partially fair election. Monju also presented numerous complaints related to the electoral process, citing violations of the electoral code of conduct and the improper actions of returning officers.
Monju called for the installation of CCTV cameras in every polling booth to ensure a credible election. He criticized the Election Commission's reliance on the Ministry of Home Affairs, warning that this dependency could undermine the democratic achievements gained through past struggles, particularly referencing the 2024 mass uprising.
The AB Party Chairman also demanded a special initiative from the Election Commission to recover illegal arms, expressing concerns that without a credible election, the country could face another mass movement. He raised alarms about harassment and intimidation faced by candidates and activists from the 10-party electoral alliance, led by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, specifically in Feni district and Barishal-3 constituency.
Monju detailed incidents in Feni, where alliance activists have faced threats and have been discouraged from voting, with warnings of potential violence. Additionally, he accused BNP candidate supporters in Feni-1 of pressuring voters to attend party rallies and obstructing the activities of the 10-party alliance.
He further alleged that the code of conduct is being flagrantly violated, with numerous illegal billboards displayed without administrative action. In Barishal-3, Monju reported attacks on campaign activities of AB Party Secretary General Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad, noting that intimidation persists.
Monju urged the CEC to take immediate action to ensure a fair electoral environment, warning that a failure to do so would render the election meaningless.