BNP senior leader Nazrul Islam Khan yesterday alleged that the jailing of Barguna UNO Tariq Salmon and subsequent transfer of some top officials have exposed field-level officials are influenced by Awami League men, reports UNB.

Speaking at a discussion, he also questioned how the national election will be free and fair under a party the leaders of which can influence the top officials to ‘indulge in injustice’.

“What we’ve seen over the Barguna UNO’s case, it has manifested that the DCs, DIGs, SPs and other officials, even the judges, are influenced by local ruling party leaders to indulge in misdeeds. That’s why they (top Barguna officials) have been transferred,” the BNP leader said.

He said Salmon’s incident has come to the light as the BCS administration cadres played a strong role in this regard, and the incident has a connection with Bangabandhu’s picture. “But, many incidents of harassment and repression on common people at different parts of the country by influential ruling party men remain unexposed.”

Nazrul, a BNP standing committee member, said the DCs, ADCs, SPs, UNOs and the OCs, who’re supposed to play a very important role in election, will not be able to work neutrally if it is held under the current government. “That’s why our leader (Khaleda) has been talking about an election-time supportive government to ensure people’s voting rights.”

The BNP leader came up with the remarks while speaking at a discussion arranged by Bangladesh Sammilita Peshajibi Parishad at the Jatiya Press Club, commemorating Prof Dr MA Mazed who died recently.

Nazrul said their party has been formulating the framework of the election-time Supportive government taking the opinions of people of all walks of life. “We hope we’ll get support from all for its implementation.”

The BNP leader said people have got fade-up with the current regime for its repressive acts and widespread corruption and plundering by the ruling party men.

Speaking at the programme, DU ex-VC Prof Emajuddin Ahmed said the next election will not be possible to hold in a fair and neutral manner only with the EC’s efforts and sincerity. “It depends on the Prime Minister’s role whether the next election will be fair and acceptable to people.”

He called upon the Prime Minister to come to an understating with political parties to create a proper election environment and hold a neutral and credible election.