Mahiya Mahi alleges harassment, safety concerns amid election campaign
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‘They are trying to harass me in a planned way’
Rajshahi-1 independent candidate and Dhallywood actor Sharmin Akhter Nipa, popularly known as Mahiya Mahi, has brought allegations of harassment against her opponents while conducting election campaign.
In a WhatsApp voice message sent to the media on Saturday, she said that with only a few days left for the election, she is fearful of her safety as anyone may blend in the crowd during her street rallies and cause a disturbance in her election campaign.
Recounting a recent incident, Mahi shared, "While conducting election campaign, I approached a voter two days ago. A woman called me over, and as I politely sought her vote, another woman began recording a video. She interrogated me about my contributions to the area, actions during the pandemic, and later uploaded the video on Facebook. Subsequently, I discovered she is the general secretary of Mohila Jubo Awami League."
On the same day, during a speech, Mahi encountered a similar confrontation. "Someone interrupted, questioning my actions during the pandemic. It became evident that these disruptions were orchestrated to impede my mass communication efforts. A heated argument ensued, during which I insisted on my right to conduct street rallies on public roads. The individual identified himself with the union Awami League, claiming their authority over the area office.
"At one point, he publicly apologized but continued erratic behavior, issuing orders via phone and mobilizing individuals with a car hook. Concerned, I contacted the UNO and OC, prompting their immediate intervention," added the actor.
Mahi further claimed that the followers of boat candidate Omar Farooq Chowdhury MP are trying to disrupt her. "They are trying to harass me in a planned way," she said.
Omar Farooq Chowdhury's activists are preventing her from proceeding.
Godagari Model police station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Abdul Matin said he and the assistant returning officer visited the scene after receiving a call from Mahi and brough the situation under control.
“The candidate's representatives arrived late at night to submit a complaint. Legal action will be taken in this regard after an inquiry,” he added.