The BNP is likely to ask the Election Commission (EC) to deploy Army personnel and create a level playing field for all candidates for the forthcoming city corporation polls in Gazipur and Khulna, according to party sources. A high-powered party delegation, led by standing committee member Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, is expected to meet chief election commissioner KM Nurul Huda this morning and place these demands, said a senior party leader.

The delegation may also ask the EC to immediately create a level playing field for all the candidates and take legal measures against those who have been violating the election code of conduct before the formal campaigning begins on April 23, the leader added.

The elections to Gazipur and Khulna city corporations are scheduled to take place on May 15.

The BNP high command has entrusted Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain to coordinate party activities relating to the Gazipur city polls, while another standing committee member, Goyeshwar Chandra Roy, has been asked to coordinate such activities for the Khulna city polls.

When contacted, Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain confirmed that they would be going to the EC today to meet the CEC to

discuss different aspects of the two upcoming city polls. “We’ll discuss with the CEC different issues relating to the two city polls to see how the elections can be held in a free and neutral manner,” he said.

Replying to a question, the BNP leader said they would decide at a party forum the issues to be placed before the CEC.

Meanwhile, Hasanuddin Sarker, BNP mayoral candidate for the Gazipur City Corporation, and Nazrul Islam Monju, BNP mayoral candidate for Khulna City Corporation, have also sought Army deployment during the polls.

“We want Army deployment because the voters should be allowed to cast their votes without any intimidation,” said Hasanuddin Sarker.

He alleged that sections of the ruling party have already started violating the election code of conduct by putting election posters and bringing out processions even before the beginning of the formal campaign. He also demanded the creation of a level playing field for all candidates to ensure free and fair voting.

“We have asked the EC to deploy Army personnel and withdraw the law enforcement officials posted on political considerations. But the EC is yet to meet our demands,” said Nazrul Islam Monju.

Monju, who is also an organising secretary of the BNP, said they are well-prepared for the polls and would start a formal election campaign after announcing their election manifesto at a press conference on April 23. He expressed hope that central leaders would join the election campaign.

“We have formed different teams to carry out election campaigns and are training the polling agents,” he said.