Jatiya Oikya Front will remain in the polls race till the end if it’s not “forced out”, says its leader Dr Kamal Hossain.
His statement came during a media on Saturday (Dec 29), hours after ruling Awami League chief Sheikh Hasina said that the opposition alliance may withdraw halfway through the voting “to make the election questionable”.
“I have addressed this matter time and again, but let me make it clear once again, we will not withdraw until they (the ruling party) force us out,” said Dr Kamal.
Responding to a query during the media call at the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity auditorium, the veteran lawyer who leads the political party Gano Forum said there was no kind of disagreement with the Oikya Front, which counts the BNP as its largest member.
On his remarks on BNP floating Jamaat leaders as candidates, he said, “It does not mean that there is a rift within us. A rift is out of question rather we stand more united.”
In an interview with the Indian Express, Dr Kamal described the BNP’s move as “stupid” and that he would never have been a part of the coalition had he known it would be the case.
Asked on the possibility of their win, he replied, “The Oikya Front will win if there’s no skulduggery. Ask the people and they will say that they want a change, which means if the people can cast their votes we will win.”
Before taking questions from the media, Dr Kamal read out a written speech where he reiterated his call for voters to participate in Sunday’s national election to restore democracy.
“Vote tomorrow. Don’t let them intimidate you. Evil forces will flee before you. They can’t fight people’s strength,” he said.
Urging the young voters to go to voting centres early in the morning to vote, he said: “If you fear, you're finished. If you resist, you're Bangladesh.”
“There should have been a festive atmosphere surrounding the election. But it is not so, and the voters are in fear. It’s the need of the hour to remove this apprehension,” he said.
He also urged all election officials, law enforcers to perform their duties honestly and the Election Commission and its officials to ensure people’s voting right.