Gono Odhikar Parishad (GOP) General Secretary Rashed Khan on Wednesday warned that the Election Commission (EC) would face public protests if Awami League (AL) allies or so-called dummy candidates attempt to join the upcoming national election.

He issued the warning while speaking to reporters after a road rally at Hatgopalpur Bazar in Jhenaidah Sadar Upazila in the evening.

Rashed alleged that certain Awami League members may try to contest as independent candidates using money or support from foreign actors, but said voters would resist such attempts.

He also cautioned that the interim government could face a movement if it shows leniency toward these candidates.

Referring to the July mass uprising, Rashed said many people, including children, lost their lives and insisted that anyone from Awami League involved in past repression must face accountability before participating in elections.

However, he added that Awami League members who did not harm the public would not be targeted.

Urging voters not to be swayed by money, Rashed said the public would strongly reject any dummy candidates backed by Awami League.

“The moment you see an Awami League dummy candidate, you will drive them out,” he told supporters.

Rashed also wished BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia a swift recovery, describing her as a symbol of the country’s sovereignty and democracy.

The rally was also attended by GOP district leaders, including District President Md Sakhawat Hossain, General Secretary Zahid Iqbal Rajan and Jubo Odhikar Parishad Organising Secretary Mission Ali.