Jatiya Oikyafront leader Dr Kamal Hossain yesterday urged people to remain alert to any possible obstruction to voting and get organised to protect the country's election process.

Speaking at a press conference at the Jatiya Press Club, he also renewed his call for the people to guard the polling stations on December 30 so that the national election is held in a free and fair manner.

“Both the media and people have been saying that hindrance to the election may be created in various ways. We all must protect the election process with united efforts by thwarting the obstruction, no matter whether the government or anyone else creates it,” Dr Kamal said.

Jatiya Oikyafront organised the press conference to brief journalists on the arrest of opposition leaders and activists and the election atmosphere.

The Oikyafront leader called upon people to go to polling stations in the morning of December 30 and make sure that all their neighbours can cast their votes without any hindrance.

Dr Kamal said they want people to actively take part in governing the country. “The responsibility doesn't end if only the vote is cast. It's a big responsibility to elect honest and competent individuals after scrutiny.

“If the country's owners don't elect their representatives properly, the entire nation would be deprived of good governance and constitutional rule. Everyone will have to come forward considering it as a responsibility.”

The veteran politician said a list of Jatiya Oikyafront candidates would be made public after the scrutiny of nomination papers by the returning officers.

Replying to a question, Dr Kamal said if voted to power, the Oikyafront would run the country following the basic principles of the constitution.

He said the Oikyafront would present its election manifesto within a few days. “The manifesto is being prepared in light of the constitution.”

Explaining the reason for not contesting the national election, he said, “There is no mystery behind it as I'm 80 years old. Many capable and competent leaders are there.”

He said his decision to stay away from elections was nothing new and he also didn't join the polls in 2008.

Dr Kamal said the alliance may move the court seeking remedy as the EC has imposed some restrictions on photojournalists which may hamper their professional duties during polling.

He urged journalists to play an important role in providing people with accurate information so that they can “get back the country's ownership through the election”.