Expressing doubt about fair polls, Jatiya Oikyafront chief Dr Kamal Hossain on Wednesday said they will not boycott the election under any circumstances as they will create a strong resistance together with people against any election irregularity. “We have doubt about a fair election, but we’ll be there in the election race till the last so that they cannot say we’ve boycotted the election,” he said.
Talking to reporters at his Motijheel chamber, Dr Kamal further said, “Casting vote is our right. Why should we give up our right? We’ve already mobilised public opinion and will resist along with people any election irregularity.” The Oikyafront chief also said they with the help of people will check vote rigging and ensure proper counting and announcement of the election results.
About his meeting with Motijheel zone police officials, Dr Kamal said they came to know about his security and they discussed the issue in a cordial manner.
“They also told me that they can take steps for ensuring my security at my house and chamber, if I feel it necessary.”
He said, the police officials also offered him to provide security even during his movement in vehicles. “Nothing else they told me.”The Oikyafront chief said the DMP Commissioner also talked to him over phone and regretted as he could not come to his chamber as per his plan due to his other engagements and heavy traffic.
Asked whether he called police animal during his meeting with the Election Commission on Tuesday, Dr Kamal said, “I didn’t say that in this sense. I said they (police) should play their role like human being as per people’s expectation. We all also expect it.”
Recalling police’s role in the Liberation War, he said he always used to praise the role of police.
Dr Kamal hoped that police will play a neutral role in favour of the country’s independence, people’s right and the Constitution upholding their tradition.
About the election atmosphere, he said the way their candidates and those who are working in favour of them are coming under attacks is unusual. “I never saw in the past such massive crackdown and arrest during the election.” The Oikyafront chief said the government’s activities are creating doubt about the credibility and fairness of the election. “It’s the government’s Constitutional responsibility to hold a fair and acceptable election. We’re in doubt about the election the way the government is behaving and arresting wholesale and attacking its opponents. It’s incredible during the election.”
He said, they are firm to remain in the election as people will see if the government makes holding a fair election impossible.
Asked whether demanding the Chief Election Commissioner’s resignation is justified just four days before the election, Dr Kamal said the election will not be affected if the Chief Election Commissioner quits. “The Election Commissioner next to the CEC can play the role of acting CEC.”
