Jamalpur-5: BNP alleges obstacles in campaign

BNP candidate Shah Md Wares Ali Mamun from Jamalpur-5 (Sadar upazila) constituency cannot campaign due to obstruction by the supporters of Awami League candidate Mozaffor Hossain.

Mamun, also the secretary of the district unit of BNP, came up with the allegation at a press conference at his election campaign office in the town yesterday. He also brought a number of allegations against the supporters of the AL candidate.

The allegations include vandalisation of election campaign offices and business establishments of BNP supporters, attack on BNP men and tearing off of posters.

On Tuesday afternoon, AL men vandalised his election campaign office in Haatchandra Miabari Bazar area while a group of violent supporters of Mozaffor led by district Swechchhasebok League President Tanvir Ahmed also attacked his campaign office in Ramnagar area the same day, said the BNP candidate.

“Besides, the AL men vandalised two medicine shops and a sawmill belonging to my supporters at Rashidpur Chourasta Mor under Rashidpur union and vandalised the house of Ashraf Hossain, president of Digpait union unit of Jubo Dal around 10:00pm on Tuesday,” said Mamun.

Earlier on December 14, a group of AL activists equipped with sharp weapons attacked his supporters when he along with them was seeking votes during an election campaign at Kendua Bazar. Two BNP men were injured, including Sadar Upazila Chhatra Dal Vice-President Bayezid, who is still undergoing treatment at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, said Mamun.

By creating obstacles, the supporters of the AL candidate are conveying a tough message to the common voters of the constituency so that polling centres can see a poor turnout on December 30 polls, he said, adding, “I have already lodged a number of complaints with the office of the returning officer (RO) hoping to get stern actions against those who were involved in violating electoral code of conduct, but the RO office is yet to take any step.”