FROM PAGE 2

Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair denied the allegations after the meeting later in the day and accused the BNP of disrupting the election environment.

“All these absurd allegations cannot come from a healthy mind. No sound party or individual could make such claims. A group of people, seeing the overwhelming public support for us, is making these statements out of fear. This is not a sign of wellness. We pray for their wellbeing.”

Regarding campaigning in religious institutions, he said: “You all can see where and what we do. None of our campaigns take place in the darkness of night -- they are all done in broad daylight. All these statements are merely an attempt to question the election. This is completely wrong.”

He mentioned that female activists are being attacked across the country.

“When female activists are going door-to-door in neighbourhoods or work for the election, a group of people is subjecting them to various forms of harassment and abuse.”

They are being subjected to cyberbullying, physical assault and their hijabs and niqabs forcibly removed. They are also receiving various threats.

“We have reported these matters locally as well.”

Law enforcement officials and those in the electoral committee have also been informed.

Since these incidents are happening repeatedly, the women of Bangladesh are extremely concerned and anxious.

“A proper environment is necessary for a free, fair, acceptable, and peaceful election. Half of our voters are women, and ensuring a safe environment for them is the responsibility of the government and the EC,” he added.