Bogura: Claiming that the ‘Boat’ has now turned into a symbol of ‘misrule’ while the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ that of democracy, Nagorik Oikya convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna on Wednesday said people’s fight for ‘restoring’ democracy in the country will continue.

‘Bangabandhu’s Awami League and present Awami League is not the same. The ‘Boat’ has now turned into a symbol of ‘misrule. The ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ is the symbol of democracy,’ he said while addressing a press conference at Bogura Press Club, reports the UNB.

Manna, who is contesting the upcoming general election from Bogura-2 constituency with BNP’s electoral symbol ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ as a Jatiya Oikyafront candidate, alleged that the government is conspiring to snatch the ‘certain victory’ of their symbol.

‘They (govt) want to ensure their victory declaring at least 50 candidates of the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ ineligible using the judiciary. They’ve already done this to several parliamentary seats. Through this, they want to ensure their victory in 50 seats before the election,’ he said.

The Nagorik Oikya chief, however, said polling centres cannot be captured through intimidation. ‘We’re in the field and will remain there till December 30,’ he said.

Claiming that a mass wave in favour of the ‘Sheaf of Paddy has been created in Shibganj like other parts of the country’, he alleged that the ruling party men are now filing ‘false’ cases against his supporters.

Manna alleged that two of his election offices were vandalised in Bhayerpukur and Mokamtala while a ‘false’ case was filed against his 34 supporters, including chief election agent Mir Shahe Alam. ‘However, no action was taken even after complaints were lodged in this regard.’

District BNP Joint Secretary MR Islam Swadhin and former Shibganj municipality Mayor Matiar Rahman were, among others, present at the press conference.