Awami League leaders yesterday said that the BNP is conspiring to foil the upcoming election sensing its defeat although the government is committed to hold the polls as per the schedule. The BNP, which boycotted the 2014 national polls, meanwhile, is accusing the government of planning a ‘farcical’ election by arresting opposition men.
Several Awami League leaders yesterday said they can do nothing if a political party (BNP) does not take part in the December 30 polls. The polls will be held in time in line with the country’s constitutional guideline, they added. As many political parties are eagerly waiting to join the polls, it will be an inclusive one, they said adding at least 39 registered political parties have already submitted their nominations to fight the elections.
AL general secretary Obaidul Quader said the BNP is trying to foil the general election sensing defeat. But the polls will be held in time in a free, fair and credible manner.
He said all fears over holding of polls in time have started disappearing and countrymen will exercise their franchise in a favourable and festive environment.
“Foreigners, including the European Union (EU), have given their opinion over the forthcoming polls, saying it will be held in a free, fair and neutral manner. People can cast their vote for their favourite candidates,” he said this while speaking at a press conference at the AL president’s political office yesterday.
He also claimed the police are not arresting or harassing innocent BNP leaders and workers.
The BNP, meanwhile, said that the government has been carrying out mass arrests of its leaders and workers ahead of the polls.
“The overall preparation of the Election Commission over the national is still not satisfactory. Then how can the polls be held on December 30,” BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, said.
has been created among the people over whether polls will be held in time,” he said.
He also said the government is planning to hold a "farcical" election by arresting opposition men. The police continue to arrest BNP leaders and workers even after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s assurance to not harass or arrest their party men ahead of the polls. Then what will be the benefit of joining the polls, he wondered. The BNP secretary general came up with the statement at a press conference at the party chairperson Khaleda Zia’s Gulshan political office on Friday.
BNP standing committee member, Barrister Moudud Ahmed, yesterday (Saturday) alleged that there is no atmosphere for a free, fair and acceptable election in the country. The BNP leader said this while briefing reporters after a meeting with the EC.
He said: “Law enforcers are arresting BNP leaders and activists on a mass scale and the electoral atmosphere is getting worse.”
When contacted, AL presidium member, Mohammad Nasim, said the general election will be held in time as per the Constitution amid huge festivity. No one will be able to foil the polls, he added.
About the BNP’s apprehension, Nasim said the party wants to fish in troubled waters, but eventually it will not succeed. Badiul Alam Majumdar, secretary of Sushashoner Jonno Nagorik (Sujon), said the general election should be held in time and in a free, fair and credible manner. The consequences will be dire if the 11th parliamentary polls are not held in time, he added. He was addressing a roundtable at the city’s National Press Club yesterday.