Opponent not weak, may try to sabotage polls: BNP

BNP Standing Committee member and head of the party’s Election Management Committee Nazrul Islam Khan has warned that forces opposed to political change, as well as candidates expecting defeat, could attempt to sabotage the upcoming election.

“Our opponent is not weak. Those who do not want this change may try to create obstacles. Even some contestants who know they will lose could attempt disruption,” he said, adding that any attempt to create chaos would be resisted by the public.

He made the remarks on Wednesday, February 11, while briefing journalists after a BNP delegation, led by him, met the Chief Election Commissioner at the Election Commission Secretariat in Agargaon. 

The delegation submitted several complaints and demanded immediate action.

Nazrul Islam Khan alleged that videos showing cash distribution in the Feni-1 constituency had surfaced and that Jamaat leaders were being detained in different parts of the country, including Mymensingh, Ramu, Kahalu in Bogra, Lakshmipur and Syedpur, over various irregularities. “We have provided the EC with news reports and video footage and urged strong action so that no one repeats such incidents,” he said.

He also expressed dissatisfaction over what he described as inconsistent remarks by EC officials regarding cash seizures during the election period. Referring to the detention of a Jamaat leader with money in Saidpur, he said comments attributed to the EC senior secretary had created confusion, though the official later claimed he had been misquoted.

Nazrul Islam Khan further questioned a statement issued by an executive director of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport regarding cash carried by a Jamaat leader, saying the circumstances remained unclear.

Calling for stricter oversight, he urged the Election Commission to take firm measures to prevent any attempt to influence voters or disrupt the election process.