Opposition BNP on Monday demanded a probe into the allegation that returning officer had engaged party functionaries to conduct the maiden Gazipur City Corporation elections.
BNP Acting Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, at a programme in Dhanmondi, demanded of the Election Commission to investigation into the matter.
“Dailies have published report today that 392 partisan officials have been appointed in Gazipur. The Election Commission must look into it immediately.”
The BNP leader also alleged that ruling Awami League-backed aspirants were violating election code of conducts. “The EC is taking no actions against them.”
Mirza Fakhrul was inaugurating the launch of an online news portal, sheershanews.com.
The portal had begun its journey in Aug 17, 2009, but was stopped in Aug 22, 2011 after its Editor Ekramul Haque was arrested.
Mirza Fakhrul raised question on the Election Commission’s neutrality. “No polls can be neutral under this EC. The withdrawal of independent candidate Jahangir Alam was not legal. He pulled out due to government pressure.”
“But the Election Commission took no action against it.”
The maiden Corporation elections for Gazipur city is expected to be held on Jul 6.
Fearing rigging, Mirza Fakhrul urged the EC once again to deploy army for the polls and take actions against appointment of partisan officials.
He also reiterated opposition’s demand for a neutral body to undertake national elections.
Fakhrul said that the government was suppressing the mass media. “The freedom of press is the first criterion for a democratic system. Awami League was never for this. They closed all other dailies except four in 1974. Even in ’96 they shut down some dailies including Dainik Bangla-Daily Times.”
“This time again, they shut down Channel 1, Diganta Television, Islamic TV, sheershanews.com and Amar Desh. They have arrested Amar Desh Acting Editor Mahmudur Rahman.”
Source: Bd news24