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The 20-party alliance led by Anwar Hossain Manju’s Jatiya Party-JP and Anisul Islam Mahmud’s National Democratic Front-NDF has announced candidates for 119 constituencies in the upcoming 13th parliamentary election.
The NDF revealed its candidates at a press conference held at Hotel Sheraton in Dhaka’s Banani on Tuesday afternoon, reports bdnews24.com.
Speaking at the event, Jatiya Party Secretary General Ruhul Amin Howlader expressed doubts about the fairness of the election process.
He said, “After taking charge as the chief advisor, he [Muhammad Yunus] could have set an example. The people of my country expected the Nobel laureate to win us over, but the reality has been different.”
“The level playing field has not yet been established.”
He added, “We hoped for a good election from him. Once it concludes, we would remember the chief advisor with respect. But now, there are uncertainties. Tarique Rahman’s return raises questions -- will it be a char-grabbing election, or will it be impartial? Will it be appreciated nationally and internationally?”
Ruhul Amin urged the authorities to ensure free and fair elections.
“People in different institutions are asking if elections will be fair. The chief advisor must create an environment that allows all parties to participate equally,” he said.
NDF Coordinator Golam Sarwar Milon stressed the importance of security for holding elections.
“In the current situation, how can we hold elections without proper security? We seek a revival of nationalist politics.”
Jatiya Party Senior Co-Chairman Kazi Firoz Rashid condemned recent attacks on media outlets.
“Two newspaper offices in Dhaka were vandalised and set on fire within an hour, yet no police intervention came in time. We managed to save the journalists, but the buildings were destroyed. Such an attack on the media has not been seen in Bangladesh since 1947,” he said.
Former Jatiya Party secretary general Mujibul Haque Chunnu also questioned the feasibility of a free election under the current circumstances.
“Before elections, raids are being conducted selectively, targeting innocent workers. Meanwhile, gunmen are being granted licenses while licensed weapons are confiscated. How can a fair election take place in this environment?” he said.