Airing doubt about credible upazila elections beginning on Wednesday, BNP acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday alleged that the Election Commission has failed to ensure a congenial atmosphere for free fair upazila elections as it did in the national election.
“We think the Election Commission has again failed to ensure a congenial atmosphere for upazila polls as it did in the general election. We’re in doubt whether the elections will be free and fair,” he said.
The BNP spokesman made the remarks while talking to reporters after placing wreaths along with leaders of Jatiyatabadi Tanti Dal at the grave of BNP founder late president Ziaur Rahman, marking the 34th founding anniversary of the party associate body.
Fakhrul alleged that the joint forces in the name of drive creating obstacles to the campaign of the BNP-backed upazila polls candidates and arresting BNP leaders and activists in ‘false’ cases. “They’re also killing our party men in crossfire at different parts of the country.”
He, however, hoped that most of the pro-BNP contenders will come out successful if the elections are held in a free, fair and credible manner.
The first phase elections in some 98 upazilas will be held on Wednesday.
The BNP leader was also critical of the tenure extension of the Speedy Trial Act. “The government is formulating new laws to establish a one-party rule and the extension of tenure of the Speedy Trial Act is part of the government’s this intention. These laws are a barrier to democracy.”
The cabinet on Friday decided to extend the tenure of the Speedy Trial Act by another five years, which was supposed to expire on April 7 this year.
Source: UNB Connect
