United News of Bangladesh

Leaders and activists of Jamaat-e-Islami, led by its Feni-3 constituency candidate Mohammad Fakhruddin Manik, laid a siege to Daganbhuiyan Police Station on Tuesday night, alleging bias by the officer-in-charge (OC) and demanding his withdrawal. The protest followed a police raid at the house of Jamaat supporter and former headmaster of Ataturk School, Master Abdur Rahim, based on a tip-off that ballot papers were stored there.  Police, however, found no evidence to support the allegation. Claiming the drive was 'motivated' and conducted to harass Jamaat activists, party leaders staged demonstrations in front of the police station and demanded the withdrawal of OC Muhammad Faizul Azim and Sub-Inspector Balaram. As tensions mounted, senior police officials, Jamaat leaders and local dignitaries held discussions at the station premises, bringing the situation under control. District Jamaat Ameer Mufti Abdul Hannan alleged that the OC carried out the raid in coordination with BNP activists to implement a political agenda and influence the election.  He also claimed the OC held meetings with BNP leaders, allegations that could not be independently verified. Efforts to contact Daganbhuiyan BNP Convener Akbar Hossain for comment were unsuccessful. AB Party candidate’s election office vandalised in Feni Senior Assistant Superintendent of Police (Sonagazi and Daganbhuiyan Circle) Syed Mumid Raihan said police conducted the raid based on confidential information, which later proved to be incorrect. If anyone feels aggrieved due to the operation, I apologise, he said, adding that an additional superintendent of police from Chandpur joined duty in Daganbhuiyan on Wednesday to ensure neutrality in the election process. Police expressed the hope that, with cooperation from all sides, a free and fair election could be ensured.

BNP Vice Chairman and Feni-3 constituency candidate Abdul Awal Mintoo on Monday said that Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty are now safe only in the hands of BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman. “Tarique Rahman will be able to govern the country by utilizing the experience of his paternal and maternal clans in running the country,” he said while speaking at an election rally at the Sonagazi Government Mohammad Chhaber Model Pilot High School ground in the afternoon. He added that the upcoming February 12 election will decide the country’s future direction — whether towards economic prosperity or conflict and violence. “If Tarique Rahman comes to power, the country will move towards prosperity. Development will happen regardless of party affiliation,” he said. Abdul Awal Mintoo also urged voters to remain vigilant during polling. “Go to the polling station after Tahajjud and Fajr prayers, ensure the station is guarded, and return home with your vote slip. No one should take away your right to vote through malpractice,” he said. He promised that if elected on the paddy symbol, he would devote himself to developing the constituency, including constructing a flyover in Lalpul, providing gas connections in Sonagazi, establishing an irrigation system, excavating canals, building a women’s college, introducing honors courses at Sonagazi Government Degree College, and improving roads, ghats, and medical facilities. He added that a master plan would be made for the area’s overall development and law and order. The rally was held under the chairmanship of Sonagazi Upazila BNP convener Joynal Abedin Bablu and moderated by member secretary Syed Alam Bhuiyan. BNP Central Executive Committee members Abdul Latif Johnny and Adv. Shahana Akhter Shanu, District Jubo Dal joint conveners Gazi Habib Ullah Manik and Anwar Hossain Patwari, Upazila BNP senior joint convener Jamal Uddin Sentu, and District Krishak Dal General Secretary Shamsuddin Khokon, also addressed the rally.

BNP Vice Chairman and Feni-3 candidate Abdul Awal Mintu on Tuesday said that Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami should never be allowed to come to power, describing the party as a group of hypocrites. He made the remarks on Tuesday while speaking at an election rally at Sonagazi Municipality in Feni. Mintu accused Jamaat-e-Islami of obstructing development and creating unrest in the country. “They do not want the people’s progress; instead, they want to turn this country into a place like Syria or Lebanon,” he said. He alleged that the party spreads lies, creates conflicts and acts opportunistically, urging people not to join Jamaat-e-Islami. Calling on voters to support the BNP’s electoral symbol ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ in the election, Mintu said Bangladesh would move forward with Allah’s blessings if BNP leader Tarique Rahman became the prime minister. He also promised development work in his constituency, including riverbank protection, improvements to schools and better healthcare facilities in Sonagazi and Daganbhuiyan. Many central and district BNP leaders were present at the rally, including Joint Secretary Shaheena Akhtar Shanu, district Joint Convener Gazi Habib Ullah Manik and leaders of Sonagazi Upazila BNP.