The ruling Awami League (AL) has called on the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami and opposition alliance Jatiya Oikya Front to return to a healthy political culture.

AL Joint Secretary General Jahangir Kabir Nanak made the call on Wednesday (Dec 26) during a press briefing at the party chief’s Dhanmondi offices.

“Unless the BNP, Jamaat cease their conspiracies to spoil the level playing field, polls environment is unlikely to be congenial. We call on the BNP, Jamaat and Oikya Front to return to healthy politics,” said the senior AL leader.

“Let us be united in the spirit of our independence war to build a better Bangladesh for the future generation,” Nanak added.  

Referring to the Tuesday (Dec 26) seizure of Tk 180 million from the capital, he said, “As the polls day nears, BNP, Jamaat, Oikya Front’s real face is being exposed including their attempts to influence polls with black money.

Accusing the Oikya Front Convener Dr Kamal Hossain of bullying the Election Commission, Nanak said, “Dr Kamal literally intimidated the chief election commissioner. He even used vile words towards our professional police force.” 

“Despite their deliberate provocations the election commission has faced the situation with patience and didn’t respond back,” he added.

“I want to make it clear that all parties must act in a democratic manner for the polls to be free, fair and participatory,” Nanak urged.

Responding to a query on he said that the opposition alliance has left the people of the country in confusion over whether to take part in the polls.

“We urge the people to remain cautious of their conspiracies,” said Nanak.