NDF announces 119 candidates amid 'fairness concerns'

Amid fears of a "booth-capturing" climate in the parliamentary election, Anwar Hossain Manju's Jatiya Party-JP and the 20-party National Democratic Front (NDF), formed around the Jatiya Party faction led by Anisul Islam Mahmud, have announced candidates for 119 constituencies, reports bdnews24.com.
NDF revealed its candidates at a press conference held at Hotel Sheraton in Dhaka's Banani on Tuesday. Jatiya Party Secretary General ABM Ruhul Amin Howlader expressed doubts about the fairness of the election process.
He said, "After taking charge as chief advisor, [Muhammad Yunus] could have set an example. The people of my country expected the Nobel laureate to win us over, but the reality has been different."
"The level playing field has not yet been established."
He added, "We hoped for a good election from him. Once it concludes, we would remember the chief advisor with respect. But now, there are uncertainties. Tarique Rahman's return raises questions -- will it be a booth-capturing election, or will it be held in an impartial manner? Will it be appreciated nationally and internationally?" Howlader the authorities to ensure free and fair elections.
"People in different institutions are asking if elections will be fair. The chief advisor must create an environment that allows all parties to participate equally," he said.
NDF Coordinator Golam Sarwar Milon stressed the importance of security for holding elections. "In the current situation, how can we hold elections without proper security? We seek a revival of nationalist politics."
Jatiya Party Senior Co-Chairman Kazi Firoz Rashid condemned recent attacks on media outlets.