BNP-backed Dhaka North mayor runner Tabith Awal has accused the Election Commission of not addressing all instances of polls code violations in the same manner.
The son of BNP chairperson’s adviser Abdul Awal Mintoo was campaigning at Shah Ali Shrine in Mirpur on Monday when he questioned the commission’s neutrality.
At that time, his key rival, Awami League-backed businessman Annisul Huq, was hosting a poll meeting in a community centre at Mohammadpur.
“A ruling party-endorsed candidate has held an election rally at a community centre,” Awal told reporters.
“It’s a glaring example of the Election Commission’s indifference to create a level playing field. In some cases the commission took responsibility, in others it looked the other way,” he said.
He further alleged that the EC had failed to level the playing field for all “Activists and supporters are in hiding or are in prison without any fault.
“I want the chief election commissioner to look at us and reflect their assurance of a free and fair election on their actions.”
He also demanded assistance of law enforcers during the campaign for security of the candidates.
Tabith went to the shrine around 1pm and was greeted by the 20-party coalition activists. He offered Zohr prayers there and then moved to speak to reporters.
However, the crowd started jostling for a place in front of the cameras and after a while, the journalists left without interviewing him. Awal’s security also had a hard time controlling the crowd.
After a while, a place was cleared so that Tabith could speak to the media. However, once he started speaking the crowd went unruly again.
Source: Bd news24
