Fear of attack, arrest grips BNP candidates in Jhenidah
Four BNP candidates of the district have alleged that cannot conduct campaigns smoothly in their constituencies in fear of attacks and arrest.
The candidates are Md Ashaduzzmaan Asad from Jhenidah-1 (Shailakupa-Sadar), advocate Abdul Mozid from Jhenidah-2 (Harinakundo-Sadar), Prof Motiar Rahman from Jhenidah-3 (Moheshpur-Kotchandpur) and Saiful Islam Feroz from Jhenidah-4 (Kaliganj upazila) constituencies.
Asad alleged that Awami League leaders and activists continued attacking his supporters during campaign since December 11. Meanwhile, police have arrested 25 BNP men till now.
On December 14, AL men vandalised five cars, 25 motorbikes and seven mikes while he was campaigning in the constituency, said Asad.
He has submitted written allegation to the returning officer but to no effect. If the army is deployed, the situation may become normal, said Asad.
Advocate Mozid said his homestead and another 100 houses of BNP activists have been attacked since December 11. Besides, three ghost cases have been filed against him.
“On the day of scrutiny, my nomination paper was cancelled. Following a writ petition filed with the High Court (HC), I got it back,” he said.
His candidacy was cancelled on Thursday following an appeal against him as he is the chairman of Harinakundo Upazila Parishad. He will file a writ petition with the HC soon, said Mozid.
Prof Motiar, also a leader of Jamaat-e-Islami, said earlier 20 cases were filed against him. After nomination, another four cases for subversive activities have been filed against him. He has gone into hiding and his activists are asking for votes for him. If the election is free and fair, he will win the polls.
Feroz said there is no peaceful environment for polls in Jhenidah. On December 18, AL activist Mamun Hosssain showed arms to BNP activist Babul Hossain of Lautala village.
Golap Mandol, 85, a resident of Enayetpur village in Kaliganj upazila, said, “I have never seen such an election in my life. AL men are visiting our house and threatening us not to go to polling centre unless we vote for boat symbol.”
Former local BNP lawmaker Moshiur Rahman said no polls can be held in such a situation.
Refuting the allegations of attacks on BNP men, AL candidate Md Abdul Hye from Jhenidah-1 constituency said the rivals of BNP contenders carried out the attacks.
Recently, BNP men conducted arson attacks on his three campaign offices, he said.
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