When candidates have kicked off electioneering after allocation of poll symbols for the upcoming national election, defeated forces sabotaged the Mohanganj Express train near Tejgaon Railway Station area in the capital Dhaka early Monday, killing at least four people. The arsonists set three coaches of the train on fire just an hour before Tuesday’s hartal called by BNP and likeminded opposition
parties began.
Leaders and activists of BNP and anti-liberation forces are out o ruin the upcoming election sensing their defeat. They have no scope to go to the common people as they are busy to carry out clandestine arson attacks like an underground party.
Those involved in acts of sabotage to dislodge the government would have to face the music. There is no clemency for them. And they should have to face punishment.
Torching trains, uprooting of rail track and cutting of railway track in different places of the country by the BNP-Jamaat clique in the name of hartal and blockade, must not be tolerated at all. BNP failed to foil the elections in 2014 and 2018.
Now BNP’s strength is much less than 2014 and 2018. A political party cannot burn people to death, harm to common people and destroy public property. Only the terrorists can do this.
However, with only 16 days left to be held the country’s 12th Jatiya Sangsad election, Bangladesh has turned into a country of festivity with posters, symbols, banners and festoons in the sky while activists are chanting slogans around all 300 constituencies seeking votes for their respective candidates amid subversive activities and arson terrorism. Posters and banners of the aspirants have covered the roads and highways in the city.
A festive mood centering the election has gripped the country with slogan-chanting marchers. Different political parties, including the ruling Bangladesh Awami League along with opposition Jatiya Party are participating in the next general election of the country.
Contestants of the Awami League and Jatiya Party for the Member of Parliament post have been the top topic in everywhere and the aspirants are also making pledges to woo the voters in favour of their respective symbols.
BNP and anti-liberation
forces are out o ruin the
upcoming election
sensing their defeat
Earlier, the Returning Officers of all districts distributed electoral symbols among the nominated candidates. Candidates will have to wind down their campaigns by 8 am on Jan 5. Until then, they will tirelessly seek votes door-to-door, and fire up the nation with election rallies, gatherings, and processions.
After the allocation of symbols, candidates must conclude their campaigns 48 hours before the vote. This means that candidates have exactly 15 days for campaigning.
The Election Commission will have to ensure security for the candidates during their poll campaign. Besides, as per the commission’s directives the metropolitan police commissioners and the district administrations concerned must ensure proper implementation and enforcement of the electoral code of conduct in the upcoming general election slated for January 7.
The next election would be held according to the schedule and a new government would be constituted with popular vote. Voters would also take part in the poll enthusiastically.
Alongside adhering to the code of conduct, candidates must also comply with other regulations regarding campaigning, poster printing, and other election-related activities. The election commission will have to take all the required steps to hold a free, fair, peaceful and credible parliamentary election scheduled to be held on January 7, 2024. The election commission must create a congenial atmosphere so that voters can cast their voting rights. We think there is no chance to spare the arsonists in protecting the lives and properties of the people ahead of national poll.
Immediate steps must be taken against those who are involved in sabotage, arson violence and vandalism. BNP became isolated from the masses soon after it started resorting to arson violence in the name of movement to dislodge the government.
The authorities concerned will have to take measures against those who are involved in arson violence and will ensure people’s safety and security.
