UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called on all stakeholders to ensure an environment free of violence, intimidation and coercion before, during and after Sunday's general election in Bangladesh.

In the run-up to the polls, he said an environment free from violence would help enable a peaceful, credible and inclusive election.

In a statement yesterday, Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman for UN secretary-general, said, “All Bangladeshi citizens, including minorities and women, must feel safe and confident in exercising their right to vote. Civil society and electoral observers should be fully supported to play their role in the process.”

Guterres also reiterates the continued commitment of the United Nations to support a peaceful and democratic Bangladesh, it added.

The call for a peaceful and free, fair and inclusive election comes at a time when violence continues across the country before the 11th parliamentary election.

Last week, the UN said it is closely following the situation ahead of the polls in Bangladesh. 

On December 10, Dujarric said, “We believe, as a matter of principles, that elections should be held in a positive climate, free from any sort of intimidation.” 

In another development, the US yesterday expressed concern by the high level of campaign violence over the last two weeks.

Talking to reporters after a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda at the Election Commission Secretariat, US Ambassador Earl Miller said he asked for this meeting because the US is concerned by the high level of campaign violence over the last two weeks, says an embassy statement.

All parties have been victims of violence, including minorities and female candidates. However, it appears opposition party candidates have borne the brunt of most violence, he said. 

Miller added, “I appreciated the opportunity to consult with the Election Commission to see what plans it has to create a conducive atmosphere, so all Bangladeshis, no matter their political affiliation, feel safe to go to the polls on Sunday and cast their votes for the candidates of their choice.

“Bangladesh is rightfully proud of its democratic traditions, including elections where upwards of 70 percent of the electorate turns out to vote. In any democratic election there must be space for peaceful expression and assembly; for independent media to do its job covering electoral developments; for participants to have access to information; and for all individuals to be able to partake in the electoral process without harassment, intimidation, or violence.”

The US wishes all Bangladeshis a free, fair, tolerant and peaceful election day on Sunday, the envoy added.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday urged all to cast vote for Awami League in order to continue the development activities of her government and ensure a hunger and poverty-free Bangladesh.

“Every vote is valuable and your one will help us form the government for the continuation of the country's development,” she said at a rally at Bhanga circle in Faridpur, on her way to Dhaka from Tungipara. The rally was organised as part of the party's second day of election campaign.

“If Awami League fails to return to power, the construction work of the Padma Bridge will be suspended,” she said.

The AL president also sought vote for Kazi Zafarullah, the party nominee in Faridpur-4.

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“I'm seeking your vote... as you can understand how valuable your vote is for the continuation of development and establishment of Bangladesh as a dignified country in the world arena,” the prime minister added.

Bangladesh became independent through casting vote for “boat” and gradually a hunger and poverty-free country has been built, she said.

Referring to many development works carried out by her government, the AL president said, "We've become self-reliant in food, while the literacy rate in the country has increased... there has been a rise in power generation, too."

Addressing another rally at Mahendra Stand in Daulatdia of Rajbari, she said, “It's important for Awami League candidates to win in all the seats. Keep it in mind while casting your vote.”

“During the BNP-Jamaat rule, there was a rise in terrorism and militancy as people saw the incidents of 10-truck arms haul, August 21 grenade attack and serial bomb blast across the country. People across the country got terrified. Bangladesh also became the champion in corruption for five times.”

“After forming the government, we've taken steps so that the people can lead a happy life,” Hasina said.

She said the second Padma Bridge would be constructed on completion of the first one. “A feasibility study is underway for the second Padma Bridge. Awami League knows it very well how to take the country forward.”

Addressing a public rally at Komorpur Abdul Aziz Institution in Faridpur Sadar, Hasina said, “We don't want to go back to the dark era, we've started moving forward to the path of light and the journey will continue if you cast your vote for 'boat'.”

The AL chief also sought vote for Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain contesting from Faridpur-3.

Hasina said, “BNP-Jamaat men had looted the assets of the country and ate up the money of orphans. They had come to power to kill people and commit corruption. They can't do anything other than burning people and carrying out destruction.”

The spirit of Liberation War had diminished with the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on August 15, 1975, she said while addressing another rally at Paturia Ferry Ghat in Manikganj.

“The BNP-Jamaat doesn't believe in Liberation War. They don't want people's welfare. Development will take place only if the Awami League is voted to power,” she said.

Earlier in the day, Hasina started her journey around 9:04am by road from Tungirpara.

On Wednesday, the AL president launched her party's election campaign for the upcoming national election by addressing a public rally at Sheikh Lutfar Rahman Government Degree College ground at Kotalipara in Gopalganj.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina addresses a rally at Maligram in Faridpur’s Bhanga on Thursday, December 13, 2018. Photo: PID

Just days ahead of the 11th national elections, Election Commissioner Shahadat Hossain Chowdhury today said “situation is under control”.

He came up with the remark in response to a query by reporters at the Election Commission in Dhaka’s Agargaon this afternoon.

Shahadat’s comment comes a day after Election Commissioner Mahbub Talukdar expressed grave concern over the ongoing spate of violence ahead of the polls scheduled to be held on December 30.

Hoping for a free, fair and peaceful election, Shahadat said, “I admit that anxiety grew among people centering the election. I want to term it political heat”.

He said he did not think that the situation was deteriorating ahead of the polls.

WHAT DID ELECTION COMMISSIONER MAHBUB SAY YESTERDAY?

Election Commissioner Mahbub Talukder expressed grave concern over the recent incidents of violence.

Saying that violence and election cannot go hand in hand, he added,“If we cannot hold a peaceful election in a violence-free environment after 47 years of independence, the sacrifice of 30 lakh martyrs for independence and democracy will go in vain. We cannot allow this to happen.”

BNP candidate for Laxmipur-3 constituency Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee today said that he would welcome his party if it takes decision to quit the December 30 national election race.

“I will welcome if the election coordination committee of my party quits the polls as there is no atmosphere for the election in the country,” Anee, also publicity affairs secretary of BNP, told The Daily Star this evening.

He said the ruling party leaders and activists and the members of law enforcement agencies are engaged in carrying out terrorist activities in his electoral area.

“I could not carry out electioneering in my area. Under this situation, I informed my party that I would welcome its decision if it quits the polls,” the BNP leader said.

On Monday, Anee came under attack in Shantirhat area of Laxmipur upazila that left 30 of his followers including three journalists injured, the BNP leader alleged.

“My party men are being attacked. Even their residences are also being vandalised. The returning officer is not picking up my phone call,” he said.

The congenial atmosphere is totally absent in the area for holding the election in a free, fair and credible manner, the BNP leader said.

Anee is contesting the polls against Awami League candidate AKM Shajahan Kamal and Islami Andolon Bangladesh candidate Md Ibrahim.