KHULNA, Feb 05 (UNB): Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar on Thursday expressed concerns over the environment surrounding the February-12 national election.
"If the authorities remain indifferent, the chance for a free, fair and acceptable election will be lost," he said while announcing his election manifesto at Khulna Press Club.
He said the government still has seven days to recover illegal weapons, arrest terrorists and extortionists near polling centres, and stop the flow of black money, adding that this responsibility lies with the government, the Home Ministry and the Election Commission since the election schedule was announced.
Golam Parwar, a candidate from the Khulna-5 constituency (Dumuria-Phultala), said although the Election Commission and the head of the government have promised a free, fair and festive election, the actual situation is different.
He alleged that candidates, party workers and voters are being attacked just a week before the election. "If this situation continues, people will not be able to go to polling stations without fear."
Raising allegations of torture against women activists, he said women campaigning for the scales symbol are facing harassment, including having their burqas and face coverings pulled off. He also alleged physical assaults and attacks on pregnant women.
He claimed that a video circulating on social media shows a political leader making derogatory remarks about women seeking votes. "This is not only political violence, it is a direct attack on women's dignity," he said, expressing fear about what such individuals might do if they come to power.
Parwar also expressed serious concern over the safety of minority voters, and alleged that Hindu voters in different areas of the Khulna-5 constituency are being threatened with severe consequences if they vote for the scales symbol.
