ASK expresses concern over violence, provocations ahead of national election

The Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) has expressed deep concern over incidents of violence, clashes, provocative statements and allegations of irregularities centring on the upcoming national parliamentary election, saying such developments are undermining the election environment and creating fear and insecurity among the public.

In a statement issued today (29 January), the rights organisation said political parties and candidates have been involved in clashes and acts of violence in different parts of the country, raising serious questions about the prospects of a free, fair and neutral election.

Citing media reports, ASK said individuals and activists of various political ideologies have become victims of election-related violence. In one incident, a local leader was killed in Jhenaigati upazila, while a BNP leader was critically injured. At least 30 activists from both sides were reportedly injured in the clash. In recent days, supporters of different political parties have also been attacked by rival groups in several areas of the country, according to news reports.

ASK further noted allegations that women campaigners were forcibly asked to remove their burqas or veils during electioneering, calling such acts highly discriminatory. The organisation said no citizen should face humiliation or harassment for participating in the electoral process.

The use of religion during campaigns and attempts to exert direct or indirect pressure on citizens of other faiths to seek votes were also described as alarming. Such practices, ASK said, violate constitutional guarantees of equality, religious freedom and freedom of expression.

The organisation also expressed concern over reports of attempts to influence voters through financial inducements, intimidation during campaigns, the use of indecent and abusive language, and defamatory remarks against rival candidates.

ASK said elections are a fundamental democratic process and ensuring an environment where citizens can vote freely and without fear is a constitutional responsibility of the state. Political parties, candidates, the election administration and law enforcement agencies, it said, share the collective responsibility of ensuring that violence, irregularities, discrimination and intimidation have no place in the electoral process.

The organisation categorically stated that any form of violence, provocation, voter intimidation through money, misuse of religion and unethical conduct surrounding the election is completely unacceptable.

To ensure a credible, inclusive and participatory election, ASK urged the authorities to take immediate, impartial and effective action against such incidents. It also called on all stakeholders to conduct election activities with mutual respect, restraint and full adherence to human rights principles.