Despite last night's panic, voting continues smoothly: Asif Mahmud
"Although an atmosphere of fear was created last night, polling has been continuing in a peaceful manner since morning," he told journalists after casting his vote at the Government Laboratory High School centre in the capital
National Citizen Party (NCP) Spokesperson and Chairman of its Election Steering Committee Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan today said voting in the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election and referendum is progressing peacefully across the country despite attempts to create panic last night.
"Although an atmosphere of fear was created last night, polling has been continuing in a peaceful manner since morning," he told journalists after casting his vote at the Government Laboratory High School centre in the capital.
He said voter turnout was relatively low in the morning, but the election was being held in a very orderly environment. "Except for a few isolated incidents at several centres, voting is going on smoothly everywhere," he added.
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Asif Mahmud said he had been a voter in the last two national elections but could not cast his ballot. "This is the first time I have voted. It is a new experience for nearly 40 million young voters like me," he said, expressing hope that the festive spirit among voters across the country would culminate in a free and fair completion of the voting process.
Referring to the referendum, he alleged that although leaders of different political parties, including the BNP chairperson and other senior leaders, publicly campaigned in favour of a 'Yes' vote, some grassroots-level activists worked for a 'No' vote.
"I consider this to be political double standards. It also proves the lack of discipline within their party," he said, adding that such isolated efforts would not affect the prospects of the 'Yes' vote in the referendum.
Expressing dissatisfaction over the role of law enforcement agencies, Asif Mahmud claimed that polling agents of his party's candidates were attacked in some areas. "In such a critical time, if we do not receive a proper response from the administration, it is unfortunate," he said.
Asif urged the authorities to ensure that no citizen is deprived of their voting rights and that all voters can cast their ballots safely and return home without fear.
