No chance of fair vote unless mobs are controlled

Jatiya Party (JaPa) Secretary General Shameem Haider Patwary has said there is no possibility of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad (JS) election being held fairly unless mobs are brought under control, reports bdnews24.com.

Speaking at a media briefing at the Election Commission (EC) on Saturday following appeal hearings on party candidates' nominations, he urged the commission to take a 'firm' stance during the election period.

The Jatiya Party leader alleged that several returning officers were unable to rectify even minor, correctable errors on nomination papers because of these mobs.

He further emphasised that the commission must assert its authority over the country: "Until 12th of February, the government of Bangladesh is the Election Commission's government, the EC must 'exact' that authority."

Patwary confirmed that 25 Jatiya Party candidates had filed appeals against the cancellation of their nominations. Five of these appeals were heard on Saturday.

During the briefing, he noted that the party's nominees for Chapainawabganj-2, Narayanganj-4, Narsingdi-1, and Shariatpur-1 have had their candidacies validated, while one appeal remains "pending".

Commenting on the process, he said the EC is trying its utmost to ensure justice. "The commission is scrutinising every appeal very thoroughly," he said, reiterating his hope that all disqualified JaPa leaders would receive a fair hearing.