Staff Reporter:
BNP has accused Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami of exploiting religious sentiments and trying to buy votes during the ongoing election campaign, calling it a clear case of political double standards.
“A party (Jamaat) was itself part of the government from 2001 to 2005, with two ministers and several members of parliament. While in government, no comments were heard from them on corruption,” Mahdi Amin, the spokesperson of the BNP’s Central Election Steering Committee said yesterday.
Speaking at a press briefing at the party’s Gulshan election office, he alleged that the party is now con-tinuing what he described as fascist-style propaganda during the election campaign. “We see this role as political double standards,” he said.
“Besides, it is now clear that while seeking votes, the party is abusing religious sentiments, offering temptations of heaven, forcing people to swear on the Holy Quran and even going around with various offers to give money through bKash numbers. As a result, those who are themselves trying to buy vot-ers’ votes with money are now talking about corruption, which raises serious questions about the party’s so-called honesty,” Mahdi said.
He also urged all political parties to strictly follow the election code of conduct.
In an indirect reference to Jamaat, Mahdi also accused the party of making misleading promises to vot-ers, saying its Ameer recently announced at an election rally in Bogura that a public university would be established there and that Bogura municipality would be upgraded to a city corporation.
“The reality is that both issues have already been approved at the state level, and administrative work is under way. A vice-chancellor has already been appointed to that university,” he said.
The BNP spokesperson questioned why an existing government decision was being presented as a new party promise, calling it an attempt to mislead the people of Bogura.
He condemned the dismissal of a mosque muezzin in Sapahar upazila of Naogaon.
Mahdi said they learned that the muezzin, Al Amin Chowdhury, was dismissed from his job under pres-sure from leaders and activists of a particular party for taking part in campaigning in favour of the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ symbol.
“This is a bad example of the violation of a citizen’s democratic rights. We strongly condemn this and demand his immediate reinstatement, ensuring that everyone’s profession, religion and freedom remain fully protected,” he added.
Mahdi also referred to a video circulated in the media in which a candidate in Sylhet is heard saying that if elected, the police would not be able to enter anyone’s house without his permission.
The BNP spokesperson described the statement as clearly unconstitutional and against administrative dis-cipline.
“If a parliamentary candidate is allowed to make such statements, it raises serious questions. We believe that, in the interest of justice, arresting anyone without an offence is in no way acceptable. But saying that police will need permission from a parliamentary candidate or an MP to make an arrest reflects a fascist mindset. We urge the concerned authorities to take appropriate action in this matter,” he said.
