Elections 2018

Oikyafront demands fresh election

Oikyafront demands fresh election

Dhaka, Dec 30 (Just News) : Rejecting the results of the national election, Jaitya Oikyafront chief Dr Kamal Hossain on Sunday demanded reelection under a nonparty caretaker government.

He made the demand while speaking at a press conference at his Bailey Road residence after a meeting of Oikyafront leaders.

Dr Kamal said the news of 'vote robbery' in a similar fashion reached them from almost all the constituencies. "As a result, over 100 candidates of different parties boycotted the election," he said.

"Under the circumstances, we urge the Election Commission to cancel the election of mockery. We reject the so-called results and demand a fresh election under a nonparty caretaker government," he added.

“We demand fresh elections to be supervised by a neutral caretaker government,” Kamal told the press conference in the opposition’s initial reaction to the electoral process which he said was plagued by ballot stuffing overnight, forcing out opposition polling agents, and killing of more than 20 people.

The opposition coalition, the Front leader added, would continue its movement for restoration of democracy, the people’s rights, and rule of law in the country.

Accompanied by other leaders including BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Kamal Hossain mentioned that they received news of vote rigging from almost all constituencies across the country.

He mentioned that the opposition parties were assured of no arrest, no fictitious cases and no harassment of opposition leaders and activists after announcement of the polls schedule.

“We joined the election race following assurance from the prime minister and the election commission despite all bitter and scary experiences of the past… But the Awami terrorist forces increased attacks on the Oikya Front leaders and workers, injuring 17 candidates and 14,000 leaders and activists, and 11,000 leaders and workers were arrested and 18 leaders contested the polls from jail,” the Front leader pointed out.

At the press conference held at Kamal Hossain’s Bailey Road residence, the opposition leaders said they would sit on Monday and give their formal reaction and announce their next course of action.

(JustNews/mj/ys/2125hr.)