Independent candidate and BNP dissident Taiful Islam Tipu has alleged that minority voters in the Natore-1 (Lalpur-Bagatipara) constituency are being threatened and intimidated ahead of the upcoming national election. Speaking at a press conference on Saturday at his campaign office in Walia, Lalpur, Tipu claimed that a group is deliberately trying to influence the election by scaring minority voters and discouraging them from going to polling centers.

He further alleged that his campaign activities have been repeatedly obstructed, citing a recent clash in Kachua area where 13 of his supporters were reportedly injured. Tipu accused his rivals of using firearms to create panic and claimed that one of his workers named Khalil was detained. Calling on the administration and Election Commission, he urged immediate legal action to ensure the safety of minority voters and prevent violence.

To ensure a free and fair election, Tipu presented six proposals, including arresting those threatening minority voters, recovering illegal weapons, setting up law enforcement camps in risky areas, and stopping arbitrary arrests of innocent people and political activists.