National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener and Jamaat-led alliance candidate for Dhaka-11 Nahid Islam on Wednesday warned that his party would respond firmly if any of its candidates or activists come under attack during the election campaign.

“If any of our comrades are attacked and the administration remains silent, we will respond to such attacks,” Nahid said while campaigning in the Badda area.

Alleging bias on the part of the Election Commission, he said rival parties are repeatedly violating the electoral code of conduct. “In my own constituency, they have put up coloured posters. We have lodged complaints with the Election Commission. If this continues, there will be no level playing field in the election.”

Referring to the recent attack on NCP Chief Coordinator and Jamaat-led alliance candidate for Dhaka-8 Nasiruddin Patwari, Nahid said political coexistence is deteriorating as days pass, such tensions were not expected following the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024, but hostile relations among rival political forces are gradually intensifying.

Calling on voters to support the ‘Yes’ option in the referendum, Nahid said even if voters do not vote for the NCP, they should at least cast a ‘Yes’ vote.

He also said he is preparing his election manifesto after listening to the problems of residents in the Rampura-Badda area.

Roads, parks and playgrounds in the locality have been illegally occupied, he said, adding that the area must be freed from drugs and illegal land grabbers.