National Citizen Party (NCP) Spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan on Sunday warned that anyone attempting to seize polling centres or suppress voters’ rights in the upcoming election would face consequences similar to those of past leaders who manipulated votes.
Speaking as the chief guest at an election rally for Pirojpur-1 candidate Dr Shamim Hamidi, organised by the 11-party alliance at Shaheed Mostofa Playground in Mathbaria Upazila, Asif Mahmud recalled the fate of previous vote manipulators.
“We have seen what happened to those who previously stole votes, captured polling centres, and deprived citizens of their voting rights - they are now in Delhi. Let it be clear: anyone attempting to take over centres again will meet the same fate,” he said.
He stressed that the people of Bangladesh now demand capable, honest and accountable leadership, noting that the Shapla Koli election symbol represents this change and a break from the country’s history of electoral manipulation.
Criticising Awami League, Asif Mahmud alleged that citizens’ voting rights have been suppressed over the past 17 years.
“The people will not allow such practices to repeat themselves. Every effort to undermine democracy will be met with strong resistance,” he asserted.
The rally was presided over by Mathbaria Upazila Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Mohammad Abdul Jalil Sharif and featured speeches by NCP Joint Chief Organiser Dr Mahmuda Mitu, Jatiya Jubo Shakti Convener Advocate Tarikul Islam, Pirojpur-3 (Mathbaria) candidate Dr Shamim Hamidi, Pirojpur-2 Jamaat candidate Shamim Saidi, and Mathbaria Upazila Jamaat Secretary Abul Kalam Azad.
The NCP leader called on voters to remain vigilant and ensure a free and fair election, reiterating that safeguarding the people’s right to vote is paramount for the nation’s future.
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