BNP has asked the president to withdraw the incumbent Chief Election Commissioner Nurul Huda and replace him with an unbiased person.
"We ask the president to appoint a neutral chief election commissioner to ensure a free and fair election," BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan said at a meeting held between BNP and its 20-Party Alliance leaders; at the BNP Chairperson's Gulshan office on Wednesday afternoon.
Nazrul accused the Election Commission of not taking any action even when specific complaints were lodged.
"Instead of taking action, they spoke in defence of the attackers," he said.
The government and Election Commission have failed to keep their promise to keep BNP leaders and activists safe, the BNP standing committee member claimed.
"Despite the government and the Commission's reassurances, attacks were carried out on veteran politicians such as Gayeshwar," he said.
"Detective Branch of police detained the wife of Jhenaidah 3’s candidate," he said. "No level election playing-field exists."
Alleging that the victims of the attacks are brought to justice instead of those who carry out attacks, he said the government is trying to disrupt the democratic pace of the country.
"Awami League is attacking freedom fighters from all over the country," he said. "They do not believe in the spirit of the Liberation War anymore; whatever they are doing is to safeguard their party’s interests."
Nazrul further sought the army's assistance in ensuring a: free, fair, transparent and participatory election.
"Today [Wednesday], top police officials visited Jatiya Oikya Front chief Dr Kamal's chamber," he said. "We do not know what the outcomes of that meeting are going to be."
