Jamaat, NCP urge voters to guard ballots, demand transparent polls

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman and National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam on Monday urged voters to remain alert and protect the integrity of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, emphasising the importance of transparency and public participation.

Addressing a large rally of the 11-party alliance at Mohammadpur Central Eidgah field in Dhaka, Dr Shafiqur Rahman called on citizens to “be the guardians of their own votes” and warned against any irregularities that could undermine the election process.

While highlighting concerns over the Election Commission’s mobile phone restriction near polling stations, he stressed that public vigilance would play a key role in ensuring a fair vote.

“The people must stay watchful at every polling centre,” Dr Shafiqur said, adding that safeguarding democracy is a collective responsibility.

He also outlined the 11-party alliance’s vision for governance, noting that Mamunul Haque would play a key role in the alliance’s proposed administration.

Echoing these sentiments, NCP Convener Nahid Islam, candidate for Dhaka-11 constituency, urged citizens to resist any last-minute measures that could restrict information or create confusion.

“It is crucial for the public to exercise their rights freely and ensure the election reflects their true choice,” he said, emphasising the importance of impartiality from the Election Commission and local authorities.

Both leaders called for peaceful participation and stressed that safeguarding democracy requires active engagement, awareness and accountability from voters and officials alike.