Dhaka: Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) president Oil Ahmed on Saturday called upon freedom fighters to get united and engage in a ‘fight of vote’ on the national election day to ‘restore’ democracy and people’s rights.

‘We’re 18 crore people while only 2-5 lakh people will be engaged in election duties... so we must get united on that day to free the nation and restore democracy,’ he said, reports the UNB.

Speaking at a discussion, Oli further said, ‘We’re not against the Prime Minister and Awami League. Our target is to restore people’s lost rights. We took part in the Liberation War earlier and now we want to involve in a battle of vote with united efforts.’

Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal, freedom fighters’ wing of BNP, arranged the programme on the role of freedom fighters in the upcoming election and their responsibilities at the Jatiya Press Club.

Oli, also a valiant freedom fighter, urged his colleagues to go to their respective areas and encourage people, including the women, to go to polling stations with courage to bring back their rights.

‘I also call upon those freedom fighters who are with Awami League to stand in favour of people the way you fought during the Liberation War for them. There’s no point of leading your lives like cowards,’ he said.

Stating that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on the Armed Forces Day did not remember the freedom fighters who are alive, the LDP chief told the freedom fighters that the ruling party is only using them for its own interests. ‘How long do you want to be used? Now get united for the sake of the country’s people. There could be differences of opinions among us over various issues, but we should remain united when it comes to the country’s interests.’

About BNP’s seat sharing with its alliance partners, Oli said all the parties should be logical about it. ‘We must nominate those candidates who have competence, courage, acceptability and popularity among people.’

He said the nomination hopefuls of Jatiya Oikyafront and the 20-party should not think they will contest the polls depending on BNP’s popularity depriving the party’s capable candidates.

‘Our main target should be freeing the country. And if I have to sacrifice my interests to this end, I’ll do it. I also told BNP to nominate candidates based on their capability, not based on any number for any party as we’ll have to form government wining the polls,’ Oil added.

He, however, urged BNP and the alliance partners to give priority to freedom fighters in selecting the candidates.

‘Get united and ready to go to power, not for making your own fortune but for people’s welfare,’ Oli said.

Speaking at the programme, Nagorik Oikya Convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna said Oikyafront is moving ahead with some strategies to ensure its victory in the election.

He observed that the ruling party leaders and activists will flee if the Oikyafront leaders and activists can go to their respective areas with courage. ‘We’ll ensure the defeat of the government through a vote revolution.’

Gonoshasthya Kendra founder Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury urged the Oikyafront leaders to encourage people by visiting every house to go to the polling stations to cast their votes and thus restore their all rights.

He also called upon the officials of police and civil administrations to work neutrally for the sake of ensuring a credible election.