The Khulna unit of the BNP has raised complaints that mass arrest of its leaders and activists still continues, disregarding a High Court directive to stop such detentions.
The BNP alleged that even after submitting a copy of that court order to the district returning officer, the party’s Youth Affairs Secretary and former president of the city's Jubo Dal, Shafiqul Alam Tuhin was arrested on Monday night.
The party submitted four fresh complaints in writing, to the returning officer the same night.
Police arrested Tuhin from in front of the residence of Anisur Rahman Arju, a councilor candidate for Ward 25, contesting in the Khulna City Corporation Election. The law enforcers also cordoned off Arju’s home.
Police arrested two more BNP activists on Tuesday morning in Khulna.
Responding to a query, Khulna returning officer Md Yunus Ali told the correspondent that the Election Commission is investigating complaints submitted by the BNP.
“We have received the complaints filed by the BNP mayoral candidate, and an investigation has been launched. We will take action if evidence supporting the BNP’s complaints is found,” he added.
Meanwhile, Sonadanga police station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mamatazul Haque said: “No new cases were filed against BNP leader Tuhin, he was arrested in a sabotage case filed in October, 2017.”
The OC also commented that that Tuhin’s arrest in not related to the Khulna city polls.
Earlier, BNP nominated mayoral candidate for the polls, Nazrul Islam Monju had demanded removal of Khulna Metropolitan Police Commissioner Humayun Kabir, district DB police Deputy Commissioner Kamrul Islam and six OCs in the Khulna region.
Nazrul complained that the Khulna police are refusing to follow the court’s directive.
Speaking to the correspondent, the BNP mayoral candidate said: “As per the commission’s directive, no outsiders should be allowed to gather around the city, but the Awami League is gathering people in key points of Khulna.”
He also demanded that all residential hotels in the city be searched, and protested the placement of a stage with the boat symbol in front of many polling centres across Khulna.
This article was first published on banglatribune.com