Abul Hashem Bakkar, the former General Secretary of Chattogram Metropolitan BNP, has claimed that the recent statements of Jamaat leader Shahjahan Chowdhury expose the party’s plan to manipulate the administrative machinery to influence elections. Addressing a gathering on Friday (28 November) at the District Council grounds in Lal Dighi, Chattogram, Abul Hashem alleged that Jamaat is deliberately delaying the election schedule and undermining confidence in the electoral process.
He said the party often changes its narrative, at times calling for proportional representation and at other times demanding a nationwide referendum. Meanwhile, they have fielded candidates for all 300 seats, campaigning day and night to establish their presence across the country. “Their intention is clear. They are attempting to use religion as a tool to influence voters and prepare to control the election process,” he stated. Drawing parallels with past elections, he added, “Just as Sheikh Hasina allegedly manipulated the administration to influence the outcome, Jamaat now seeks to follow the same path.”
The event was organised by Kotwali Thana BNP to mobilise public opinion in favour of the Dhanshish (paddy sheaf) symbol and promote the party’s 31-point programme for institutional reform. Activists gathered in small processions after Friday prayers, and special prayers were held for the recovery of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.
Following the main event, Abul Hashem led a march for public outreach from Lal Dighi to Boxi Beat, Anderkilla Mor, and Cheragi Mor, ending at the Press Club with a brief meeting. During the outreach, leaflets were distributed among pedestrians, shopkeepers, and the local community. He strongly criticised Shahjahan Chowdhury as a descendant of wartime collaborators, accusing him of intending to control the police and administration to further Jamaat’s political objectives. He warned that BNP is carefully monitoring such attempts and maintaining a list of individuals working on Jamaat’s behalf to prevent their participation in elections.
The programme was presided over by former Kotwali Thana BNP President Manjur Rahman Chowdhury and coordinated by former General Secretary Alhaj Zakir Hossain. Special guests included Chattogram Metropolitan BNP Joint Convenor Yasin Chowdhury Liton, former Joint Convenor Abdul Mannan, members Khorshed Alam, Ismail Bali, and Lion R.K. Das Rupu from the Janmashtami Celebration Council.