One side is preparing bullets, we are preparing ballots: Hasnat Abdullah at Khulna rally

Hasnat Abdullah, chief organiser (southern region) of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has alleged that while one side is preparing for violence, the Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party alliance is preparing for a democratic battle through the ballot.

"One side is preparing bullets, and we are preparing ballots. We will defeat bullet politics with ballot politics," he said while speaking at an election in Khulna's Phultala.

The rally was organised in support of Jamaat's Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar, the candidate for the Khulna-5 constituency (Phultala-Dumuria).

Calling on the police administration, Hasnat urged officers to reject illegal money and remember their responsibilities to their children, parents, and the people of the country. He warned that if there is any attempt to stuff ballot boxes again, "like previous elections", public anger would be impossible to contain.

Ahead of the 12 February election, he called on the administration to stand with the people and perform its duties impartially, saying this would help restore public trust.

The NCP leader also reiterated a political commitment to building a Bangladesh free from corruption and lobbying.

Hasnat Abdullah strongly criticised the role of the media, claiming that although many journalists want to report the truth, ownership pressures prevent them from doing so. "A group has taken control of television channels and state institutions, turning the media into a mafia operation."

Speaking to voters in Dumuria and Phultala, Hasnat alleged that one side has entered the election race with black money and sacks of cash. "Will you take money for one day and remain enslaved for five years, or vote freely and receive service for the next five years?" he asked, warning that selling votes would lead to long-term exploitation.