Ariful Islam, the candidate of the 11-party 'Oikyo Boddho Bangladesh' alliance including Jamaat and NCP for Dhaka-18 constituency, said that the people of Bangladesh are rising against Indian dominance, corruption, and extortion. He made the remarks on Tuesday morning while speaking to journalists after distributing leaflets and meeting voters in Uttara’s Rajlakkhi area. According to him, citizens are seeking change and envisioning a new Bangladesh free from corruption and extortion.

Islam stated that his campaign has been receiving a strong response since the alliance’s announcement, and several teams are engaging with the public to understand their expectations. Expressing concern over the election atmosphere, he alleged that his campaigners and party activists are being threatened in various places, and female members are facing obstacles during campaigning. He described these incidents as regrettable and harmful to a free and fair election.

He further claimed that he was directly attacked during campaigning, but despite the attackers being identified, police have not arrested them. He also alleged that the BNP took only superficial action against one attacker who continues to campaign for its candidate.