Editorial
Where is Jahangir?
Calls for a public statement
No one seems to know where AL-rebel candidate running for Gazipur City Corporation poll has ended up. Were eyewitness accounts found to be true that Jahangir had indeed been picked up by pro-AL activists, then where does that leave us and our commitment to democracy? Jahangir's disappearance on the back of AL choosing Ajmat as its Gazipur mayoral candidate in preference to Jahangir who enjoys considerable popularity appeared to have propelled his disappearance. Such unfair tactic obviously does not sit in with democratic norms.
The police's role appears to have been wrapped in a mystery. They should be obliged to find his whereabouts with a sense of urgency.
We strongly condemn any effort to forcibly prevent or remove a candidate from the race. This culture of intimidation is in direct contravention with integrity of standard electoral practice and a violation of a citizen's fundamental rights. If public contests should endanger the safety of anyone aspiring to be a candidate, even in an independent capacity, then how are we going to uphold people's right to franchise?
We feel there should be a public statement, both from the party and government levels, as to what is being done to get Jahangir back and help end the anxiety of the family as well as the people of the constituency.
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