Oikyafront's strategy to 'go slow' till army deployment

As part of their move to avoid violence and arrest of their leaders and activists, Jatiya Oikyafront senior leaders said they have taken a “go slow” strategy over electioneering at present.

They said they took the strategy to stage massive showdowns and carry out intensive campaigning in the final week before the 11th parliamentary election.

They said they have already sent out strong messages to their grassroots leaders and activists to conduct their election campaign with caution, without responding to any provocation by ruling party or law enforcers, as they do not want to lose their strength before the election day.

Oikyafront leaders said they believe their alliance will come out successful if they can demonstrate their strength on the voting day and guard polling stations to prevent rigging and irregularities together with the people.

Besides, they said they hope that the situation will improve with the deployment of army across the country on December 24, paving the way for them to carry out flash election campaigns during the last week of the election.

“We know the ruling party will gradually be more desperate and [will] attack our candidates and supporters to demoralise us, but if we try to resist them now, it will only invite danger for us. So, we've decided to carry out our campaign peacefully as much as we can until the deployment of the army. We'll intensify our campaign in full swing from December 24,” a BNP standing committee member, wishing anonymity, told the news agency.

He said they have a plan to hold a rally at Suhrawardy Udyan, either on December 24 or December 26. From there they would give necessary directives to their party leaders and activists about demonstrating their strength on December 30.

Meanwhile, senior leaders of the alliance launched their first election road march towards Mymensingh from the capital's Uttara area on Saturday to drum up public support in favour of the candidates of “sheaf of paddy”.

They may go to Rajshahi division on December 22 for electioneering.