BNP Chairperson’s Adviser and BNP candidate for Chapainawabganj-3, Harunur Rashid, has warned that police stations will be besieged with public support if innocent leaders and activists of the Awami League (AL) are harassed or arrested. He issued the warning on Friday (9 January) night while speaking as the chief guest at a night mini cricket tournament organized by the Kalyanpur Jubo Sangha in the Nayagola area of Chapainawabganj Municipality.
Harunur Rashid said that the Awami League does not have any electoral symbol in the upcoming election. As a result, AL voters are free to decide whom they will vote for. “They may vote for Jamaat-e-Islami or the BNP if they wish. But if anyone is harassed or detained simply because they belong to the Awami League, it will not be tolerated,” he said.
He added that there have already been incidents in which people were harassed merely on allegations of being affiliated with the Awami League. “I want to make it very clear—those against whom there are no specific allegations or cases must not be harassed under any circumstances. Otherwise, I myself will lead the public in besieging police stations,” he warned.
The BNP leader further said, “During the Awami League’s time, we were slapped with cases even while staying at home. If innocent people are now detained in false cases, then what is the difference? Does everyone associated with the Awami League in this country mean they are criminals?”
Pledging to bring the administration under accountability if elected, Harunur Rashid said, “My strength will be the people.”
He also said that no wrongdoing, extortion or land grabbing would be allowed in Chapainawabganj. “No one will be spared for committing injustice simply because they belong to the BNP or claim to be an MP’s associate. I do not want to see the culture of bribery at police stations or land offices in the name of ensuring people’s security,” he said, calling on the youth to support this change.
Those present at the event included former Ward No. 1 councillor of Chapainawabganj Municipality Jahangir Alam, district Swechchhasebak Dal member Sultanul Islam Sultan, district Tanti Dal convener Ataur Rahman, municipal Jubo Dal member Abdur Rahim, former Ward No. 1 BNP general secretary Abdul Bari, former councillor Iftekhar Ahmed Ranjhu, and leaders and activists of the BNP and its affiliated organizations.
