Despite political parties claiming that they do not support extortion, murder, terrorism, or tender manipulation, whenever law enforcement catches an extortionist, party members besiege the police station to force their release, said Nurul Haque Nur, president of Gono Odhikar Parishad.
Speaking to at a discussion event at the Chattogram Press Club today (13 July), he said, “We are currently witnessing a troubling rise in activities by extortionists, terrorists, and mafia groups. To combat this, a joint security force should be deployed immediately and continue operations until the upcoming national election. Especially in industrial areas, the dominance of criminal groups is growing. If joint forces act based on clear evidence, we believe the situation can improve.”
Calling for local elections before the national polls, Nur added, “There are currently no elected public representatives at the local level — no city mayors, councilors, or upazila chairman. So who is doing their job? The UNOs [upazila nirbahi officers]. Political parties are pulling them in different directions. They claim to represent the people’s uprising, but there’s no accountability.
“Had elected representatives been in place, UNOs could have worked more effectively with their cooperation. That’s why we are demanding local elections before the national vote — to help create a fair electoral environment.”
He further said, “Our country’s religious harmony is rare. Hindus, Buddhists, and Muslims live peacefully side by side. Still, there are reports of minority persecution after 5 August — land grabbing, vandalism, rape.”