BNP complains to RO of obstruction in electioneering

BNP leader Abdullah Al Noman yesterday complained to the returning officer that police and Awami League activists are barring BNP supporters from campaigning ahead of March 29 Chattogram City Corporation election.

Noman, also chief election agent of BNP mayoral candidate Dr Shahadat Hossain, submitted a letter to RO Mohammad Hasanuzzaman in this regard.

The Daily Star obtained a copy of the complaint.

In the letter, Noman alleged that a group of AL candidate's supporters attacked BNP activists -- who were campaigning in the port city's Nasirabad Polytechnic area -- and vandalised a vehicle and loudspeakers.

Their posters pasted at various points -- including Bokshir Hat and Rajakhali -- were ripped apart by the ruling AL activists, threatening not to paste posters there further, he said.

Police interrupted BNP men while they were pasting posters in Notun Bridge area of Bakolia and intimidated them, the letter added.

Law enforcers in plainclothes raided the residence of a local BNP leader at Hatkhola while he was on the run to avert arrest, Noman mentioned in the complaint.

Abdullah Al Noman told this newspaper that the attack aimed at creating panic among BNP supporters and activists. They want a level-playing field where candidates irrespective of their parties will campaign freely, he said.

"We hope steps would be taken to stop such activities," the BNP leader said.

Assistant Returning Officer Monir Hossen Khan said they received the complaint and will take actions after discussing other election officials.

BNP CAMPAIGN

During a campaign at Uttar Kattoli, BNP mayoral candidate Shahadat Hossain promised to turn Chatttogram into a tourist hub, if he is elected.

Shahdat began his campaign from Foy's Lake area where hundreds of party supporters and activists joined him.

The candidate handed over leaflets to people, which contains promises including eradicating waterlogging, keeping holding tax within the reach of land owners, ensuring smooth transport for lower middle class and a healthy city.

"Kattoli has a unique sea beach and a lot of potentials to be a perfect tourist destination," said Shahadat during the campaign.

Hills, rivers and ocean had made Chattogram unique in the country, he said, adding that they will make a roadmap to flourish potentials of tourism.

Shahadat also delivered speech in Colonel Hat, Olonkar Mur and Akbar Shah areas. Abdullah Al Noman of BNP central committee; and Abu Sufian, senior vice president of BNP city unit, also joined the campaign.