An environment conducive to voting has finally emerged in the country after a long time, said Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP) and the Jamaat-backed 10-party alliance nominee for the Dhaka-11 constituency.

Speaking on Saturday morning before beginning his electioneering in the Natunbazar–Vatara area, Nahid expressed hope that voters would be able to come to polling centres without fear and exercise their franchise freely.

“After 16 long years, an election is being held in which people have the opportunity to exercise their voting rights. Everyone should make use of this democratic space,” he said.

Nahid alleged that a rival political party has violated the electoral code of conduct, accusing it of attempting to buy votes through so-called ‘family cards’.

He also claimed that unrealistic promises are being made to mislead voters. “Such assurances have no possibility of being implemented. People are being misled through these promises. But the public is now conscious, they know how to question.”

The NCP convener further alleged that an atmosphere of fear has been created among voters in different areas and urged all concerned to ensure that voters are not intimidated in any way.

Emphasising the importance of a fair election on February 12, Nahid instructed party activists to remain vigilant at polling centres to safeguard the voting process.