BNP Holds Emergency Press Conference Hours Before Election; Issues 10-Point Directive
Mahdee Amin, spokesperson for the BNP Election Management Committee and Adviser to the Party Chairman, addressed the media. He asserted that a "mass wave for the Sheaf of Paddy (Dhaner Sheer)" is sweeping the nation and claimed that an absolute victory for the BNP is inevitable if the election remains free and fair.
10 Key Points from the Press Conference:
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Confidence in Victory: Mahdee Amin stated, "Field reports show that the people are eager to restore democracy. No one can stop the victory of the 'Paddy Sheaf' in a fair vote."
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Burqa Issue and Proxy Voting: He alleged that a specific group has manufactured a large number of burqas and niqabs to facilitate proxy voting. He demanded that female presiding officers verify the identities of veiled voters while maintaining the sanctity of the veil.
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Level Playing Field: Amin claimed that even in the final hours, BNP polling agents in several areas are facing threats and called for the administration to ensure a neutral role.
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Mobile Phone Restrictions: Expressing concern over the ban on mobile phones within 400 yards of polling centers, the BNP argued this might discourage voters and requested the Election Commission (EC) to relax the notification.
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Safety of Minorities and Women: He urged the Army and law enforcement agencies to remain on high alert so that minority communities and women can cast their votes without fear.
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Illegal Digital Transactions: The BNP claimed that an opposing party is collecting NID and bKash numbers of voters to distribute illegal funds and urged the EC to prevent such "digital rigging."
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Observer Inconsistencies: The party alleged disparities in the appointment of local and foreign election observers in certain constituencies.
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Acceptance of Results: The BNP explicitly stated that it would accept any result as the people's mandate, provided the election is completely transparent and free from rigging.
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July National Charter: Regarding the referendum, the BNP reaffirmed its commitment to the spirit of the July Uprising and urged voters to cast their ballots with awareness.
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Directives for Activists: Mahdee Amin issued a strict directive to party leaders and activists to remain calm, avoid provocations, and guard polling centers until the very end.