NCP alleges violence, intimidation, administrative bias ahead of polls in meeting with CEC

Ahead of the upcoming parliamentary election and referendum, the National Citizens Party (NCP) expressed deep concern to the Election Commission over incidents of violence, intimidation, and alleged administrative bias in various parts of the country. 

A delegation from the NCP raised the concerns during a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin at the Election Commission's (EC) headquarters in the capital's Agargaon. 

Representing the NCP were Joint Secretary Akram Hossain, Advocate Humayra Noor, and Central Election Management Committee member Iman Rahat. Election Commissioner Md Anwarul Islam and EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed were also present.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, Iman Rahat alleged that leaders and activists of the BNP and Awami League were carrying out coordinated attacks on NCP and Jamaat members across the country. He claimed that while cases had been filed, the administration had taken no effective action. 

Rahat stressed that unless the perpetrators are promptly arrested and a level playing field is ensured, free and fair elections would not be possible. He further stated that the attackers openly claim administrative backing, raising serious questions about the neutrality of government officials. 

Rahat accused upazila nirbahi officers (UNOs) and police superintendents of being largely inactive. Even where officials had been transferred, he said, no tangible measures had been taken, creating an atmosphere of fear nationwide.

Rahat cited a recent attack in Hatiya, Noakhali, during a ferry inauguration event, alleging that BNP and Awami League leaders and activists carried out armed attacks on NCP, Jamaat members, and local residents. Despite videos circulating on social media, no arrests have been made, he said, adding that another attack on a procession occurred in the same area the following day.

Additionally, the NCP brought to the EC's attention an issue involving a Bangladesh Bank official sending a letter following remarks by BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on agricultural loan forgiveness, arguing that preemptive action by a state institution on a political party's statement violated the electoral code of conduct.

The meeting also covered incidents such as the killing of a Jamaat leader in Sherpur, alleged voter intimidation in Narayanganj, and alleged attacks and harassment of female political activists.