BNP candidate from Dhaka 9 constituency Afroza Abbas has alleged that she suspended her electioneering, on Tuesday, as concerned authorities failed to provide necessary securities.
Afroza Abbas made this claim, in a press briefing held at her residence in Shahjahanpur.
While briefing the media the BNP aspirant said: “We were hoping that it would be much safer to conduct our electioneering after army deployment. But now the concerned authorities are discouraging us to go out for campaigning.”
She stated that campaigns are being organized after informing concerned administration officials as well as the Election Commission, yet attacks continue to ensue, injuring activists every day.
“I have informed Election Commission and Sabujbag police today about my campaign. But they were reluctant to provide any security stating that, incumbent MP of the constituency and my rival candidate Saber Hossain Chowdhury was going out for electioneering in that area.
“Then I called Khilgaon Police unit, where the officials also discouraged me to carry out my electioneering as Jubo League was going to bring out a procession in the area. If the administration cannot provide security, then I cannot continue my campaign, because, every life matters,” she added.
She claimed that she had asked the police to allocate a time schedule for her to run the campaigns in safety, however they failed do so.
The BNP candidate also stated that continuous attack on her campaigns is turning her residence into a hospital because her injured supporters were being arrested from the hospital.
She said that the party faced highest number of attacks throughout the country on Monday. Subsequently, several written complaints of the attacks were sent to the Election Commission, but all went to vein and no measures have been taken.
“Even, I being a female candidate did not get any security when I was attacked at Sabujbagh area on Sunday. During the campaign there were four female constables for my security, who were sadly nowhere to be found when the attack ensured - my supporters protected me.”
While replying to a question about army deployment she said: “We were hoping that the oppressive scenario would change after army deployment. But the results are yet to be seen.”
However, she remains hopeful about the army ensuring a free and fair polls environment on election day, slated for next Sunday.
She finally stated that, if she decides to continue her campaign, it would be her responsibilities; however she expressed firm confidence to stand till the polling day.