Were not voters intimidated?

We have learned from newspaper reports that Khaleda Zia thanked people for boycotting the polls. I just want to remind her that most people did not go to cast their votes out of fear. Several polling centres were set on fire. Two Hindu housewives were raped for going to voting centres. Many people were beaten up.
BNP has finally decided to shun the path of violence. Why did they not do this before all the deaths and destruction happened? I believe BNP had a good chance to win the election if they had participated in it, even without the CTG or other alliance parties.
Aminur Rahim
New DOHS, Mohakhali, Dhaka