Attacks, widespread use of money concerning

Islami Andolon Bangladesh (IAB) has expressed concern over the overall electoral environment, citing incidents of attacks and the widespread use of money.

Political parties like the BNP and Jamaat did not get rid of the previous electoral culture, said Gazi Ataur Rahman, senior joint secretary of IAB, at a media briefing yesterday at its office.

The party said its leaders and activists have been facing threats, intimidation and attacks in different constituencies including Barguna 1 and 2, Patuakhali-1, Bhola 1 and 4, Pirojpur-3, Laxmipur 4, Jhalakathi-1 and constituencies in Barishal.

“At least 10 of our activists are still hospitalised due to different attacks across the constituencies.”

BNP men have broken an activist’s leg in Barguna-1 while Jamaat men have attacked us in Barguna-2, he said.

“Both parties’ activists are involved in the wrongdoings. In some places, they are spreading lies that the IAB has provided their support to the candidates of other parties.”

IAB fielded 258 candidates across the country and none of the candidates have withdrawn from the race.

“It’s impossible that anyone expressed their support for any other candidates.”

Besides, they have information that the parties have been spending a huge amount of money on voters.

“We urge the law enforcement agencies to play more active roles in this regard.”

The IAB wants a free, fair and credible election and any sort of election engineering would not be accepted, he added.