Daily Dhaka Times editor, chairman of social service organization Kanchan Munshi Foundation and potential independent candidate Arifur Rahman Dolan has expressed extreme fear for his life and the safety of his supporters after expressing his interest in contesting as an independent candidate from Faridpur-1 constituency after the announcement of the schedule for the 13th National Parliament elections.
Arifur Rahman Dolan said in his Facebook status on Saturday, “After the announcement of the election schedule, I have expressed my interest in contesting as an independent candidate from Faridpur-1 constituency on the orders of the Most Merciful Allah and on the instructions of my mother to protect the honor and dignity of the common people. And that has angered some people.”
He alleged that BNP nominated candidate Khandaker Nasirul Islam does not want him to contest the election. Dolan claimed, “Nasir Bhai has already made a secret plan, which I have confirmed from multiple sources. He has told his mischievous followers that he will create a sabotage and file a case against me and some of my well-wishers in that incident.”
Arifur Rahman Dolan further said, “There is also a plan to physically assault and kill me.” In this context, he drew the attention of the government, the Election Commission, law enforcement agencies and all intelligence agencies and requested them to exercise maximum vigilance, vigilance and collect sufficient intelligence information on the law and order situation in Faridpur-1 constituency.
Explaining his position, he said, “I am a professional journalist and editor. I always adopt a 100% non-violent policy in social and political activities. But after hearing that I can participate in the elections—BNP’s declared candidate and some of his supporters have indulged in a multifaceted conspiracy.”
He also said, “The only reason why Nasir Bhai is trying to give me a political tag now is because I did not want to work with him.”
Arifur Rahman Dolon said, “If I become a candidate, I may get killed under Nasir Bhai’s wrath. I have informed the state, the government and above all the people of Faridpur-1 constituency—I am going to contest from Faridpur-1 constituency in the interest of protecting the honor and dignity of the people. The rest is the will of Allah.”
No response was received from BNP nominated candidate Khandaker Nasirul Islam on this matter.
