Diplomatic Correspondent :
The leaders of Jatiya Oikyafront on Wednesday informed the diplomats about the torture and arrest of its supporters violating the electoral code ahead of the country’s 11th National Election scheduled to be held on December 30. The Oikyafront leaders placed their allegations to the diplomats of the 23 countries during a meeting at a city hotel on Wednesday. Oikyafront leader Dr Kamal Hossain, BNP Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan, BNP leader Tabith Awal, Gonoforum Executive President Subrata Chowdhury and Gonoshasthaya Kendra founder Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury, among others, were present in the meeting. The diplomats, representing nearly two dozens of foreign missions stationed in Dhaka, including the USA, Australia, Germany, India, China, Japan and Pakistan joined a views-exchange meeting with the Oikyafront leaders in the city. Dr Kamal Hossain said, “We have shared our worries and observations over the upcoming national election with foreign diplomats. They are also aware about this matter.”
The diplomats know everything about the the incidents of attacks on our candidates, their supporters during the electioneering across the country. they agreed with our worries and observations,” he said.
“Police are arresting the opposition leaders and activists for no reason. They are just desperate. They are trying to create a panic among the country people, so that they do not canvas in favour of their candidates and go to the poll centers,” he said.
Subrata Chowdhury said they discussed the overall election atmosphere in the country. “We informed the diplomats about the incidents of attacks on our candidates, their supporters during the electioneering across the country.”
He said they also talked about the arrest of their leaders and activists and some candidates in ‘false’ cases. “We told the diplomats that our leaders and activists are unable to stay in their areas and homes due to harassment and intimidation by police and ruling party men.”
The Gono Forum leader said they also talked about the ‘biased role’ of the police and the Election Commission. “Police are raiding
the houses of our leaders and activists and intimidating voters, but the Election Commission is not taking any step to ensure a congenial election atmosphere and a level-playing field.”
He said they also voiced their apprehension that the country might head towards ‘bloodshed’ on December 30 due to the government and the Election Commission’s ‘insincerity’ to create a peaceful atmosphere in the country.
