Dhaka: Jatiya Oikyafront chief Dr Kamal Hossain on Saturday urged the people of the country to remain alert about possible obstruction to voting and get organised to protect the country’s election process.

Speaking at a press conference, he also renewed his call to the people to guard the polling stations so that the parliamentary elections on December 30 are held in a free and fair manner, reports the UNB.

‘As the owners of the state, people must guard the polling stations so that the elections are held in a credible manner. I sincerely urge all to remain alert about the election,’ Dr Kamal said.

He further said, ‘Both the media and people are saying that there might be hindrance in various ways to the election. We all must protect the election process with united efforts thwarting the obstruction, no matter who does it—the government or anyone else.’

Jatiya Oikyafront arranged the press conference at the Jatiya Press Club about the arrest of opposition leaders and activists and the election atmosphere.

Dr Kamal urged the country’s people to go to polling stations in the morning on the election day and make sure all of their neighbours can cast their votes without any hindrance.

He said they want people to actively take part in governing the country. ‘The responsibility doesn’t end if only after the vote is cast. It’s a big responsibility to elect honest and competent persons after scrutiny while giving votes.’

The Oikyafront chief went on saying, ‘Because, if the country’s owners don’t elect their representatives properly, the entire nation will be deprived of good governance, constitutional rule and basic rights. Everyone will have to come forward considering it as a responsibility.’

Mentioning that the country’s people want a change, he said, ‘I, therefore, appeal to all of our people to unite as we’d obtained independence in 1971, and unite with the same determination to preserve and strengthen this independence as we move forward towards completing the 50 years of our independence in 2021.’

Dr Kamal said he believes that a free and fair election is an essential aspect of the independence and sovereignty of a country. ‘If the right to vote can’t be exercised by the country’s people through a free and fair election, the very independence of the country is at stake.’

He said all the Oikyafront partners are conscious of the vital importance of nominating the best and worthiest candidates as people will establish their ownership of the country through the election.

Dr Kamal also said a single list of candidates of the Jatiya Oikyafront will emerge after the scrutiny of the nomination papers. ‘My prayers will be with all of our candidates for their success and the victory of our people.’

‘I’ll appeal to all of our people to ensure that the election is free and fair, and will urge the Election Commission to discharge its function impartially and independently with fairness as it is required by the constitution and make sure that those who are engaged in the conduct of election—presiding officers, polling officers and others. It should discharge its functions with complete integrity devoid of any partisanship or loyalty to any party candidate, and appoint polling agents who are persons of integrity and courage and who may not be bought or prevented from performing their duty,’ he said.

Replying to a question, Dr Kamal said Jatiya Oikyafront, if comes to power, will run the country following the basic principles of the Constitution instead of introducing new politics. ‘We’ll do politics following the Constitution.’

Asked whether they will restore caretaker government system if they are voted to power, he did not give any specific answer, saying they will do everything taking people’s opinions for ensuring neutral elections.

The Oikyafront chief also said they will present their manifesto within a few days. ‘The manifesto is being prepared in the light of the Constitution.’

Explaining the reason behind his decision not to contest the election, Dr Kamal said, ‘There’s no mystery behind it as I’m 80-year-old. There’s no dearth of leadership as there’re many capable and competent leaders. Many elderly people don’t want to quit the leadership position. I’m also not stepping aside from works.’

He said he did not join polls even in 2008. ‘So, my decision of not contesting the election is nothing new.’

Dr Kamal also said they may move to the court seeking remedy as the Election Commission imposed some bars to photojournalists which may hamper their professional duties during the voting.

He urged journalists to play an important role in providing people with accurate information so that they can get back their ownership of the country through the election.