‘Those who steal votes will be punished,’: Nahid

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam has warned that any attempt to manipulate votes or engage in election fraud during the upcoming national polls will be met with consequences similar to those faced by what he described as fascist forces.

Addressing an election rally in Savar on Friday, Nahid Islam said the 12 February election was crucial for determining the country’s future and represented a public verdict against corruption, oppression and loan defaulters. The rally was held in support of Dilshana Parul, the 11-party alliance candidate contesting the Dhaka-19 constituency.

“The upcoming election is for the people’s future. It is an election for reform and for the people’s verdict against loan defaulters,” Nahid said, urging voters to participate freely and fearlessly.

He said Dilshana Parul had returned from abroad to serve the people and called on local residents to support her at the ballot box. Describing the election as an opportunity to dismantle oppressive politics, Nahid said voters now had the chance to reject hegemony and authoritarianism through democratic means.

Nahid Islam said the NCP and its allies were participating in the polls to establish justice and create space for new leadership. He alleged that some political forces were obstructing women candidates’ campaigns out of fear, claiming that violence was being used to suppress opposition voices.

Referring to the killing of one of the alliance’s supporters in Sherpur, he said those seeking power through murder must be stopped. “February 12 is the day to stop them,” he told the gathering.

The NCP leader also criticised the authorities for failing to arrest those responsible for the killing of Osman Hadi, saying the victim’s family was still waiting for justice. He said the upcoming election would deliver a verdict inspired by the ideals of Osman Hadi and the spirit of the July uprising.

Nahid stressed that his party would not compromise on national independence or submit to external dominance. He urged voters to go to polling centres without fear, regardless of political affiliation. “Even if you vote against us, go to the polls to establish justice and reject slavery,” he said.

Warning against the return of what he called corrupt politics, Nahid said dishonest leaders should not be allowed back into the country’s political system. He added that if the 11-party alliance came to power, governance would involve experienced and capable individuals from both within the country and the diaspora.

The rally, held at a ground near Matribagan Mosque in Shahibagh, Savar Municipality, was presided over by Zulkarnain, convener of NCP Savar Upazila. Several alliance leaders also addressed the gathering, including Dilshana Parul, Dhaka District Jamaat Ameer Maulana Delwar Hossain, District Secretary Maulana Afzal Hossain, District Jamaat Legal Affairs Secretary Advocate Shahidul Islam, and Savar District Political Secretary Hasan Mahbub Master.