Dhaka: A delegation of Jatiya Oikyafront, led by Dr Kamal Hossain, shared its worries and observations over the upcoming national election with foreign diplomats on Wednesday.

The diplomats, representing nearly two dozens of foreign missions stationed in Dhaka, including the USA, Australia, Germany, India, China, Japan and Pakistan joined a views-exchange meeting with the Oikyafront leaders in the city, reports the UNB.

The national election is scheduled to be held on December 30.

At the meeting, Dr Kamal Hossain, on behalf of Oikyafront, briefed the foreign envoys about the pre-polls violence and their concerns over fair balloting.

BNP standing committee member Nazrul Islam Khan, its special secretary Asaduzzaman Ripon, executive committee member Tabith Awal, Gano Forum Executive President Subrata Chowdhury and Gonoshasthya Kendra founder Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury were, among others, present.

Contacted, Subrata Chowdhury said they discussed the overall election atmosphere in the country. ‘We informed the diplomats about the incidents of attacks on our candidates, their supporters during the electioneering across the country.’

He said they also talked about the arrest of their leaders and activists and some candidates in ‘false’ cases. ‘We told the diplomats that our leaders and activists are unable to stay in their areas and homes due to harassment and intimidation by police and ruling party men.’

The Gono Forum leader said they also talked about the ‘biased role’ of the police and the Election Commission. ‘Police are raiding the houses of our leaders and activists and intimidating voters, but the Election Commission is not taking any step to ensure a congenial election atmosphere and a level-playing field.’

He said they also voiced their apprehension that the country might head towards ‘bloodshed’ on December 30 due to the government and the Election Commission’s ‘insincerity’ to create a peaceful atmosphere in the country.