Mirza Abbas alleges code of conduct violations in campaign
Talking to journalists near Chinatown Market in Nayapaltan area around 12:30pm, the BNP leader also said some candidates have been making offensive and absurd comments against rivals, including himself.
BNP senior leader Mirza Abbas today (14 January) alleged that some candidates are making provocative remarks during the mass campaign, which he termed as a violation of the electoral code of conduct.
"Some candidates are making provocative remarks. Their behavior and comments are extremely provocative. They are violating the Election Commission's code of conduct by speaking against other candidates," he said.
Talking to journalists near Chinatown Market in Nayapaltan area around 12:30pm, the BNP leader also said some candidates have been making offensive and absurd comments against rivals, including himself.
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"They are deliberately making provocative remarks to irritate us," he said.
Abbas, a BNP Standing Committee member, urged the Election Commission to look into the matter and take steps to prevent such behaviour.
The BNP leader said he is willing to respond to provocative remarks by his opponent, as he wants a free, fair, and peaceful election.
Earlier, Abbas walked along the footpath near Chinatown Market, exchanging greetings with hawkers, rickshaw-pullers, and passers-by.
He said he has not begun formal campaigning yet. "We haven't started the official campaign. I am only meeting people in the area. Some candidates, however, have already begun full campaigning. I am not seeking votes yet. When the official campaign begins, we will start our work properly, Inshallah."
Referring to discussions on social media regarding postal ballot papers, Abbas said the design appears confusing and may lead to problems during stamping.
He called on the Election Commission to correct it before distribution and ensure there is no bias.
Responding to remarks from a candidate about sending bulldozers towards Shahjahanpur, Abbas said such rhetoric encourages mob behaviour.
"Mob rule does not work everywhere, and it should not. I did not just float to Dhaka. One cannot simply do whatever one wants. If they try, they will have to bear the consequences," the BNP leader said.
He questioned why such comments were being directed at him, saying there was no reason for anyone to "march towards Shahjahanpur," as he had committed no offence by contesting the election. "
"This is not my first election… I have represented this constituency five or six times. Those who are weak candidates will naturally speak against stronger ones. I am not taking it to heart," Abbas observed.
Abbas expressed concern over the recent law-and-order situation, citing the killing of a BNP activist a few days ago and an attack on another activist on Tuesday.
He urged voters in his constituency not to react to any provocation or inflammatory remarks, saying some people were trying to gain quick popularity through such tactics.
