Jatiya Oikyafront leader Dr Kamal Hossain yesterday alleged that a farce was being played in the country in the name of election. Kamal also claimed that the country lacked good governance. “If anybody claims that there is good governance in the country, I will say that he or she is a liar. A farce is being played in the country in the name of an election,” he said at a discussion meeting at the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA).

Bangladesh Human Rights Federation (BHRF) organizsd the discussion on human rights, good governance and voting rights to commemorate the 70th International Human Rights Day and Bangladesh’s 47th Victory Day. Kamal was chief guest on the occasion.

The eminent jurist also alleged that police were harassing and arresting opposition leaders and activists illegally. “After the election was declared, police started harassing people on the streets and arresting them without any reason. This is shameful. We have never seen such a situation in any election earlier. It is astonishing to see such things happening after 47 years of independence,” he said.

“Arrest me if you can or if you are brave enough to do so,” he added. Kamal urged the government to restrain the law enforcers from taking such controversial steps.

“You (government) will have to face trial if human rights are violated and police abuse continues in the country. No one can run a state in the absence of the rule of law by scrapping the judiciary’s independence,” the Jatiya Oikyafront leader cautioned.

If the Election Commission (EC) fails to hold the December 30 election in a fair manner, the consequences will be terrifying, he further said. “And if the people cannot exercise their voting rights then it will be a blow to the country’s independence which will be similar to sedition,” he added.

Kamal also demanded the EC to stop police from arresting people and said law enforcers were creating panic among people “which is a violation of human rights”.

He also urged the EC to perform its duties with all its power for the next 10 days to hold the polls in a free and fair manner. “All the power is now delegated to the EC and it has to exercise the power for holding the elections in a fair and free manner,” he said.

He also highlighted the allegations by the BNP and its allies that their candidates and supporters were being persecuted across the country since the start of campaigning.

Kamal alleged that the Awami League (AL) was trying to cling on to power using whatever means possible. “If you want a so-called election where you take all 300 seats, simply tell us! You keep saying you will stay for another five years. Instead of asking us in this way, just tell us. Say you will stay for another five years and we will accept it,” he said.

“You (Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina) are saying you want to stay for another five years to complete the work you have left unfinished. I’m sure there will be more work left in five years. So I will say then, why not stay for five more,” he added.

Kamal called on the government to follow the Constitution in the right spirit for the country to function properly.