Staff Reporter :The BNP has demanded Army at every polling centre with magistracy power during the city corporations polls. It has also urged the Election Commission (EC) to deploy the army quicker than April 26 to create a congenial atmosphere in the interest of fair polls.The party’s International Affairs Secretary Dr Asaduzzaman Ripon, who is current spokesman of the BNP, made the demand in a press briefing at the party’s Nayapaltan central office in the capital city on Wednesday. Dr Ripon said, “We have already welcomed the EC’s decision to deploy the Army. But we want it right from today (yesterday), as the ruling party men are obstructing BNP-backed candidates’ electioneering and attacking the BNP chairperson’s motorcade. The Army can’t work properly if it is deployed as striking force under the returning officer. Violence is increasing day by day centering the city polls. That is why we want army at all polling stations. Otherwise, the government will be held responsible if any untoward incident happens.”Referring to the recent attacks on BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, he alleged that the government was trying to engage in dirty politics ahead of April 28 polls. The ruling party has resorted to the path of terrorism in the city polls being frightened by the popularity of Khaleda Zia and the BNP-backed candidates, he added. The BNP leader further alleged that some terrorists are also taking part in the election campaign with Awami League-blessed mayor candidates. “The election atmosphere will be harmed and the people will be scared if the terrorists carry out campaign in such a manner.”He urged the EC to take action against the terrorists. He also urged the government and the ruling party to face BNP politically instead of using muscle power and the dirty politics. Showing the photographs relating to the attacks on BNP chief’s motorcade at Karwanbazar and Fakirapool published in different dailies, he said that the ruling party cadres carried out the attacks.The BNP’s spokesman said that whenever Khaleda Zia goes out, she is being attacked. The attackers have been photographed by the media. They should be brought to justice, he added.
