The Dhaka-17 by-election has been marred by political violations that raise significant concerns about the fairness and integrity of the electoral process under the Awami League government. Independent candidate Ashraful Hossain Alam, popularly known as Hero Alam, has announced a boycott of the election due to alleged election rigging, physical attacks on Hero Alam, and the obstruction of his agents. These violations cast a shadow over the democratic principles of free and fair elections and raise serious doubts about the feasibility of holding elections under the current Awami League government.
On Monday, Ilyas Hossain, the chief election agent of Hero Alam’s election committee, made a public announcement in front of Better Life Hospital in Rampura, stating that Hero Alam would boycott the Dhaka-17 by-election. The decision to boycott was based on allegations of election rigging and a series of violations that impeded the fairness of the electoral process. Of particular concern was the orchestrated attack on Hero Alam and the denial of entry to his agents at the polling centers.
Ilyas Hossain firmly condemned the attack on Hero Alam, describing it as a planned incident orchestrated by Awami League workers who chanted slogans of “Joy Bangla.” The boycott of the election represents a strong stance against the violation of democratic principles and seeks justice for those responsible for the attack on Hero Alam.
During the Dhaka-17 by-election, independent candidate Hero Alam, a well-known content creator, was subjected to physical assault outside a polling station. The severity of the attack necessitated Hero Alam’s admission to Better Life Hospital in Rampura for medical treatment. In addition to the assault on Hero Alam, his agents were reportedly targeted and physically assaulted in various polling centers.
Witnesses heard the assailants mocking Hero Alam for his involvement in social media platforms like TikTok, belittling his aspirations to become the Gulshan-Banani Member of Parliament. The attackers questioned his understanding of the role of a Member of Parliament and made derogatory remarks, suggesting that he should retreat to avoid further beatings.
The Dhaka-17 by-election has witnessed disturbing political violations perpetrated by the Awami League, including the attack on independent candidate Hero Alam and the obstruction faced by his agents at polling centers. These violations undermine the credibility and fairness of the electoral process, making it impossible to hold genuinely democratic elections under the current Awami League government. The boycott announced by Hero Alam reflects a lack of confidence in the electoral system and demands justice for those responsible for the attack. Urgent action is required to address these violations, restore faith in the electoral process, and ensure that future elections are conducted with transparency, fairness, and respect for democratic principles.
