Nagorik Oikko's Manna says BNP obstructing campaign, issuing threats

Nagorik Oikko Convenor Mahmudur Rahman Manna has alleged that BNP activists are obstructing his election campaign and issuing threats in Bogura-2 constituency.

Manna made the allegations at a press conference at the Bogura Press Club around 8:30pm on Tuesday.

He said attempts to harass him began after the election schedule was announced, including efforts to disqualify his candidacy by labelling him a loan defaulter and mobilising a “mob” during scrutiny in Bogura, according to a bdnews24.com report.

“Despite submitting the same documents, my candidacy was declared valid in Dhaka-18, but rejected here. That shows what happened,” he said.

Manna also alleged that since the fall of what he described as the “fascist Hasina regime” in August 2024, false cases had been filed in Shibganj against those working for him, while supporters were being threatened.

Nagorik Oikko had remained aligned with the BNP during anti-government movements, and BNP leaders initially said Bogura-2 would be left for Manna as a BNP-backed alliance candidate.

However, BNP nominee Mir Shahe Alam did not withdraw his candidacy and is contesting in the seat with the party’s Sheaf of Paddy symbol.

Manna is contesting in Bogura-2 and Dhaka-18 with the “Kettle” symbol.

Responding to the allegations, Shibganj Upazila BNP General Secretary Abdul Wahab said Manna was blaming the BNP out of frustration.

“He knows he will lose and forfeit his deposit. He is angry because he did not get the alliance nomination,” Wahab said.

At the press conference, Manna reiterated that BNP candidate Shahe Alam was responsible for the alleged obstruction.

“They announced me as the candidate initially, but later nominated another person. That candidate’s supporters are now blocking my campaign. When women go out to campaign, they are threatened. They are no longer participating out of fear,” he said.

Asked whether he would remain in the race under such conditions, Manna said he hoped for a fair election but that the situation required attention from the administration.

Shibganj Police chief Rafiqul Islam said police had not received any complaints regarding obstruction of campaign activities.

Several Nagorik Oikko leaders, including Manna’s brother Mushfiqur Rahman Anna, were present at the press conference.