The Jatiya Oikyafront yesterday urged its leaders and activists to form committees to guard polling stations across the country during the December 30 election.

“Form a 100-member guard committee with locals for each polling station. The members will take position in the polling stations and will not leave before the voting ends,” ASM Abdur Rob, a top Oikyafront leader, told a roadside rally near Oikyafront nominee Salahuddin Sarkar's home in Tongi.

He urged the leaders and activists to wake up early on the voting day and go to the polling stations to inspect ballot boxes.

“Take an oath that you will give your life but not leave the polling stations without the result.”

BNP supporters chanted slogans demanding the release of Khaleda Zia. “Cast your vote for 'sheaf of paddy' for the release of Khaleda Zia.”

The rally was part of the alliance's first road march ahead of the election that began from Rob's home in the capital's Uttara.

Dr Kamal Hossain, a top leader of the Jatiya Oikyafront and eminent jurist, also joined the rally. 

He began the alliance's campaign on Thursday by offering prayers at the shrines of Hazrat Shah Jalal and Hazrat Shah Paran in Sylhet.

Rob alleged that the ruling party was trying to thwart the upcoming parliamentary election “sensing its defeat”.

“The prime minister is scared and is seeking ways to stop the election. She wants to escape from the election.”

If the Oikyafront comes to power, security would be ensured for Sheikh Hasina. “Even if she wants to go abroad, she will be allowed,” he said.

Stating that Hasina and ministers were campaigning with police protocol, Rob said, “Protocol should also be given to us to create a level playing field.”

Nagorik Oikya convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna said, “We are engaged in a war. They [the ruling party] have arms, we have ballots. We will win this war.”

BNP standing committee member Nazrul Islam Khan said eight BNP candidates had been arrested so far and urged activists to defy all odds and stay in the race until the election.

Gonoshasthaya Kendra founder Zafrullah Chowdhury said violence during the run-up to the election was unprecedented. “Attacks are going on everywhere. The army should soon be deployed.”

Oikyafront leaders then went to Sreepur Mawna intersection and held another roadside rally where Krishak Sramik League President Kader Siddique attended.

Our correspondent in Mymensingh reports, Jatiya Oikyafront leaders at a rally in the town last night said the attack on Dr Kamal Hossain's motorcade was an act of the anti-liberation forces.

The rally was held at Mymensingh Railway Krishnachura Chattar to garner support for Mymensingh-4 BNP nominee Abu Wahab Akanda Wahid.

Manna said the government is planning a voterless election like the last one.

The government hijacked all the local government elections during their tenure and they are in great fear of losing the battle.  The alliance leaders also urged activists to meet the voters at their doorsteps.

Quader Siddiqui, Rob, Zafrullah, Begum Selima Rahamn, AZM Zahid Hossain, Prof Shafiqul Islam also addressed the rally.