Dhaka: Jamaat alliance candidate for Dhaka-11 and convener of National Citizen Party (NCP) Nahid Islam on Sunday alleged that a level playing field has yet to be ensured for the upcoming national election. Speaking during electioneering at different spots in the Badda-Satarkul area in the morning, Nahid claimed that the Jamaat alliance activists are being subjected to intimidation ahead of the polls.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Nahid stated that although there is no direct obstruction to campaigning, a climate of fear is being deliberately created to dissuade people from going to polling centres. He asserted that these attempts would not succeed. Nahid also accused the Election Commission of not maintaining neutrality towards the Jamaat alliance, alleging that he was served with a show-cause notice for campaigning in favour of a referendum, while no action was taken against others for promoting their respective parties.
Nahid emphasized that the election would signal the end of extortionists, terrorists, and land grabbers. He remarked, “People expected extortion and land grabbing to stop after August 5, but that has not happened in some cases. February 12, the election day, will be the final day for extortionists.”
Highlighting various local problems, Nahid assured voters that he would work to address the area’s crises if elected. He emphasized that the election is not merely about a change of power but about building a new Bangladesh. “It is going to be a historic election where new dynamics will be seen in the electoral field,” Nahid remarked.
He called on voters to cast their ballots freely and thoughtfully, saying, “Vote for whoever you choose, but do so after careful consideration, because this election will determine the fate of Bangladesh.” Addressing local residents, he urged them not to be swayed by money, benefits, or false promises, encouraging them to “think carefully and vote for a deserving candidate who is truly capable of bringing change to your area and the country.”
During the campaign, Nahid urged voters to support the ‘Shapla Kali’ symbol and to cast a ‘Yes’ vote in the referendum.