The Election Commission (EC) is hopeful of the BNP’s participation in the forthcoming parliamentary polls. “I still hope that the BNP will take part in the polls since a level playing field will prevail for all political parties,” chief election commissioner (CEC) KM Nurul Huda said yesterday. Huda told this to journalists at Election Bhaban in Dhaka after meeting law enforcers in the run up to the city corporation elections in Barisal, Rajshahi and Sylhet on July 30.

“Instructions have been given to all, including law enforcers, to ensure free and fair civic polls so as to avoid any controversy ahead of the general election,” he said.

Asked about the BNP's warning that it would not participate in the parliamentary polls unless party chairperson Khaleda Zia was released from jail, Huda said: “Her release is a matter for the court to decide.”

On the charges of highhandedness against law enforcers during polls, Huda said: “The law enforcers are aware of the allegations. But the allegations are subject to investigation.”

The CEC denied the need for additional security measures during the civic polls.