BNP on Monday urged the Election Commission (EC) to set at least a good example at the fag end of its tenure by playing a neutral and independent role in Narayanganj City Corporation (NCC) polls.
“People want the Election Commission to play an independent and impartial role so that the local Awami League men can’t rig votes (in NCC polls) as they did in the past. The Current Commission should at least set a good example on the eve of its departure by doing that,” said BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, reports news agency UNB.
He came up with the remarks while speaking at a press briefing at BNP’s Nayapaltan central office.
The BNP leader also urged the EC to remain aware so that the 22 December NCC polls do not turn into another ‘bloody adventure’ for ensuring the victory of ruling party candidate by flexing muscles. “The Commission will have to make necessary efforts to ensure that people’s right to vote in the NCC elections doesn’t suffer a blackout.”
He said though enthusiasm has been created among BNP leaders and activists over the NCC polls, people’s doubt about a free, fair and peaceful election is still not removed.
Mentioning that the returning officer said all the NCC polling centres are vulnerable, Rizvi said the EC official’s comment has justified BNP’s demand for deployment of army to ensure a fair balloting without any intimidation and influence.
He said BNP strongly believes that the nationalist forces together with the people of Narayanganj will get organised to protect their democratic rights on 22 December.
Source: Prothom Alo
