Wary that Khaleda Zia and her followers could impede the city corporation elections, Shipping Minister Shajahan Khan has urged Awami League supporters to restrict Khaleda Zia from campaigning for BNP-backed candidates in the lead up to the mayoral elections of Dhaka and Chittagong.
Other notable leaders from the Awami League also made similar statements from separate Awami League events in the capital yesterday. They also urged people to vote for competent and qualified candidates in the elections scheduled on April 28.
“Khaleda is trying to denigrate the city polls; everyone should protest Khaleda if she were to take to the political fields for election campaigns,” Shajahan said, addressing a discussion at the Shilpakala Academy organised by Bangabandhu Sangskritik Jote.
Referring to Khaleda’s return home, the shipping minister said: “She returned home achieving nothing…She took to the field depending on lies. Lies are temporary, truth prevails ultimately.”
“After inciting terrorism, militancy, and arson for the last three months, the BNP chief now wants candidates backed by her party to put up a fight in the Dhaka city polls. She may even try to hamper the polls through arson and violence,” said Dr Hasan Mahmud while speaking at a separate programme in front of the National Press Club. The demonstration was organised by Bangladesh Swadhinata Parishad.
The former minister urged all leaders and activists of the Awami League to build a united resistance against Khaleda Zia and her terrorist forces.
“Even though the BNP is crying out loud for a level-playing field, it cannot be taken for granted that they will not place terrorists and thugs as candidates instead of fit and proper ones,” said Food Minister Quamrul Islam at the same programme.
On the other hand, Hasan Mahmud defended himself from allegations of breaching the election code of conduct by arguing that many democratic countries like India allow ministers, even heads of states to partake in municipal elections campaigns. “Then why should our country not allow this? The Election Commission should take necessary steps in this regard,” he said.
