Those obstruct voting right are Yahya's successors: Dr Kamal

FE Team | Published: December 25, 2018 00:38:14

Jatiya Oikya Front chief Dr Kamal Hossain said on Monday those who try to deprive people of their voting right are the enemies of independence and successors of Pakistan's Yahya Khan, reports UNB.
"People waged the Liberation War with a dream of becoming the country's owners and establishing their voting right. We're now untied to cast our votes but those who're trying to deprive us of the voting right are the enemies of independence and successors of Yahya Khan (of Pakistan)," he said.
Dr Kamal was addressing a programme arranged by Sammilito Peshajibi Parishad as the chief guest.
"Even after 47 years of the country's independence, we've to go to election through waging a movement. What can be more shameful than this?" questioned Dr Kamal.
"Who've brought this shame for us? We were supposed to exercise our franchise with enthusiasm and joy. But, there's no congenial atmosphere for voting. "
Those who try to obstruct people from exercising their voting right have no respect for independence, no respect for Bangabandhu, Tajuddin and the millions of martyrs, he added.
"We've earned independence sacrificing the blood of millions of martyrs. Martyrs entrusted with the responsibility of protecting our independence and the voting right of people. We've to elect our representatives through exercising our franchise to protect our independence," Kamal said.
"We're untied to use our voting right... we've to safeguard the trust of martyrs. No autocrat will be allowed to stay there in power," he added.
The Oikyafront chief urged the voters to go to polling stations early in the morning on December 30 and stay there to check vote rigging and all other irregularities. "You all remain united so that no one can obstruct voters."
Recalling the glorious role of Bangladesh Police in the country's Liberation War, he called upon its members not to indulge in any unfair and unethical acts regarding the election.
"I would like to remind the IGP and additional IGPs that obeying any unlawful order is a crime. You please send such a message to your force members, and ask them not to follow any unlawful order of the government high-ups. Don't illegally attack common people," Dr Kamal said.
He also urged the Armed Forces to protect people's voting rights as the successors of martyrs of the Liberation War. "It's your responsibility to protect the Constitution and people's voting rights. Those who issue any order against the Constriction are criminals. Paying heed to their order is also a crime."
Dr Kamal, also the president of Gano Forum, said the government considers itself as an 'emperor and people are their subjects'. "The people of an independent country are citizens, not anybody's subjects."
Kamal warned that the government will not be able to suppress people with its repressive acts. "Bangalees can't be scared. I'm throwing a challenge to encounter us face to face.