Asif Mahmud demands level playing field until close of polls

National Citizen Party (NCP) spokesperson and Chairman of its Central Election Management Committee, Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan, on Thursday expressed hope that all relevant institutions would act responsibly and ensure a level playing field until the close of voting.

“We expect that those responsible at the local level and all institutions concerned will play a responsible role and ensure a level playing field is maintained until voting concludes on Friday,” he said at an emergency press conference in the capital on Thursday evening.

Asif said the forthcoming ten hours of voting would determine the country’s direction for the next five, ten and even twenty years. Addressing nearly four crore young voters in particular, he urged them to cast their ballots and encourage others to exercise their democratic rights.

The NCP leader praised the role of joint forces and the army in recovering illegal weapons in various areas, saying such measures had boosted voter confidence. He called for any remaining illegal arms to be recovered before polling day to prevent intimidation.

He also urged the Election Commission to ensure adequate logistical support, including transport and security, for magistrates and observers so that they could carry out their duties effectively.

Calling on citizens to participate in the vote regardless of party preference or symbol, Asif said the election presented an opportunity to shape a better future for Bangladesh. He encouraged voters to attend polling stations and exercise their democratic rights peacefully.

Referring to the broader political context, Asif noted that after many years, citizens were once again witnessing a meaningful opportunity to vote. He said that in recent days many people had travelled to their constituencies with enthusiasm to exercise their franchise. He paid tribute to those who were martyred, injured or otherwise affected in the July uprising, saying their sacrifices had contributed to the current electoral environment.

At the same time, the NCP spokesperson voiced concern over misinformation and disinformation circulating on social and mainstream media. He alleged that neutrality had not been adequately maintained in some instances by officials at various levels, including returning officers, presiding officers and certain members of law enforcement agencies.

He further alleged that in several constituencies, candidates and activists from his party had faced attacks and that some polling agents had been intimidated or prevented from entering polling stations.

Asif also claimed that, under the guise of cash recovery drives, individuals in different areas were being harassed. He said that carrying or keeping personal money was not an offence under election laws, but attempting to buy votes would constitute a clear violation. He urged the Election Commission to take action against any candidate, from any party, found guilty of vote-buying.

He called on voters to support the 11-party alliance, including candidates contesting under the “Shapla Kali” symbol, with the aim of establishing good governance, sovereignty and reform. “If elected to Parliament with your votes, we pledge to work for the people over the next five years,” he said.

NCP Central Election Management Committee Member Secretary Monira Sharmin, Joint Member Secretaries Faisal Mahmud Shanto, Lutfar Rahman and Advocate Humayra Noor, among others, were also present at the press conference.