Reza Mahmud :
The BNP is not yet sure about holding the ensuing general election in a fair, free and inclusive manner.
Unabated arrest of the party men, rejection of party Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia’s nomination, increasing government influence on the Election Commission donot guarantee fair polls . The EC has shut its eyes to the BNP’s complaints that the administration has been largely partisan which runs counter to the values a free and fair election demand, said the party leaders.
From center to grassroots level leaders and activists of the party are expressing their anxiety about the election atmosphere. “Police are campaigning against the BNP leaders and activists in the capital and across the country. Every night police are searching for our party men every area. It has created panic among their families.
Besides, the pro-government activities of the Election Commission and the administration made us worried over fair polls,” BNP Joint-Secretary General Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal told The New Nation.
He said, but we are still in the election race to restore voting and basic rights of the people.
“We are submitting complaints to the EC regularly, because we have no other option,” Alal said.
“The people of the country want a change. They are waiting for a chance to franchise their voting right only. We have selected popular and eligible candidates across the country. The EC must ensure an inclusive election avoiding the government’s illegal influence,” BNP Vice-Chairman Chowdhury Kamal Ibne Yousuf told The New Nation.
BNP Senior Joint-Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi accused the security agencies of preparing list of pro Awami League election observers.
He also alleged that Prime Minister’s Advisor HT Imam is everyday conducting secret meetings with the EC to draft strategy for Awmai League’s victory in the election.
BNP grass roots leaders said, they are disappointed at Khaleda Zia’s absence in polls and arrest campaigns of police against them.
When contacted, BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury told The New Nation, “You see, the Prime Minister and other ministers of the government are regularly influencing the EC and whole election process. On the other hand, our party chief is in jail. Her candidacy has also been cancelled though the pending appeal means the case is under process.”
“Police are everyday filing fictitious cases and arresting our party men.
Amir Khasru said, the EC, the administration and police are united against the BNP, Jatiya Oikyafront and 20 party alliance. There is no level playing field yet.
In such circumstances, we are fighting to restore democracy.
