Mirza Abbas says he fears election manipulation

Dhaka-8 BNP candidate Mirza Abbas today (29 January) has expressed concern over what he described as a "possible plot" to manipulate the upcoming national election, warning that any such attempt would not be accepted under any circumstances.

People have achieved their right to vote through decades of sacrifice and struggles, and it was now their responsibility to exercise that right freely, he made the remarks while addressing an election rally at Aziz Super Market in Shahbagh of the capital. 

"Everyone must go to the polling centre and vote for the candidate of their choice," BNP standing committee member Abbas said, urging voters not to remain absent from voting.

At the same time, he cautioned that signs were emerging that suggested attempts could be made to influence the election outcome.

Following the rally, the BNP leader conducted door-to-door campaigning and sought votes for the sheaf of paddy in the Katabon, Elephant Road, and Bangladesh Medical University areas.

Abbas said voting is both a right and a duty for all citizens, regardless of profession or social status. "Whether you are a doctor, a nurse, a politician, or a day labourer, everyone has the same responsibility to vote."

Referring to past elections, particularly the 2008 polls, he said he has been observing similarities that raised concern. 

He noted that in earlier elections, polling agents would return with results by evening, whereas now officials are saying results might take two or three days to be announced. 

The BNP senior leader also alleged that some individuals within the government were still working in favour of the Awami League, aiming either to prevent the election altogether or to ensure the BNP's defeat if it takes place.

Criticising some recent remarks against him, Abbas said, "A group of boys and young men take the name of Mirza Abbas or some other political party all day long. Their mouths are constantly full of lies throughout the day. They also say that they have studied in a madrasa. So, does that mean in the future we won't send our children to madrasas? Do people learn to lie by going to a madrasa? In a madrasa, people receive religious education and true education. There, backbiting and lying are prohibited. Yet, despite studying in a madrasa, they go on telling lies morning, afternoon, and evening."

He urged rival candidates to seek votes by presenting their work and future plans rather than spreading propaganda. Citing his own career, he said he had contested elections at least five times without resorting to defaming opponents.

Abbas is expected to exchange views with business owners at the Gazi Building in Nayapaltan and continue campaign activities in nearby areas tonight.