BNP on Friday claimed the Election Commission (EC) and police have made a “grand plan” to suppress BNP and Jatiya Oikya Front during the upcoming 11th general election, slated for December 30.
"It seems the Election Commission and police held a meeting yesterday [on Thursday]. Their discussions at the meeting gave the impression that they had made a grand plan to suppress BNP and Oikya Front during the upcoming parliamentary election," said BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi during a press conference at BNP's Naya Paltan central office, reports UNB.
He added that it is now clear that the Election Commission will not take any steps to remove the partisan police officers appointed by the government to different posts.
"The EC is working to create a playing field in favour of the government, and police are sincerely assisting the commission to hold an election that is not fair and credible, as no one can resist Oikya Front's victory in an acceptable election," the BNP leader said.
He further said Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda at the meeting assured police that no one would be transferred from their posts, despite demands from opposition parties to remove “controversial officials.”
“Such a comment from the CEC will only inspire partisan officials,” Rizvi added.
The BNP senior joint secretary general also claimed false cases were still being filed against BNP leaders and activists after the publication of the election schedule, even though police had assured the party that this would not be the case.
He alleged that probable candidates of the ruling party were violating the electoral code of conduct by conducting election campaigns and public rallies, while police and ruling party cadres were obstructing BNP aspirants from going to their constituencies.
"The government is using state machinery like their family property. We strongly condemn this," Rizvi said.
The BNP leader demanded the release of the party’s arrested nomination seekers Rafiqul Islam Miah, Gisasuddin Quader Chowdhury, and ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon.
