‘Rigging Attempts Will Meet Same Fate as Hasina’: Hasnat Abdullah
"Those planning to steal votes or occupy centers should beware. If anyone attempts a vote robbery, they will suffer a tragic fate similar to that of the autocrat Hasina," he declared.
Speaking at a yard meeting (Uthan Baithak) on Tuesday, January 27, at Ghashaibari field in the Subil Union of Debidwar Upazila, Abdullah invoked the memories of the July Revolution. He noted that just as women had stood at street corners to encourage protesters with water and courage during the uprising, they would now take to the streets to prevent any electoral theft.
Abdullah urged the public to guard the polling stations, telling the audience, "Go to the centers to stand guard right after the Fajr prayers. The youth, farmers, laborers, and the warriors of July will unite to thwart all evil plans. If anyone tries to occupy a center, tie them up and hand them over to the police." He emphasized that the people shed blood in the 2024 mass uprising to establish their right to vote, and no one would be allowed to toy with that right.
Addressing rumors regarding the national referendum, the NCP leader refuted claims by certain groups that a 'Yes' vote would lead to the removal of 'Bismillah' from the Constitution. He clarified that voters would cast two ballots: one for the parliamentary election under the 'Shapla-koli' (Water Lily Bud) symbol and another for the 'Yes' box in the referendum. "The future of the next Bangladesh depends on this 'Yes' vote," he added.
The meeting, presided over by Subil Union Jamaat Ameer Maulana Tajul Islam, featured speeches from local senior leaders of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, and the NCP.
