Pro-BNP professionals ask CEC to extend deadline for city polls nomination submission

A delegation of the ‘Citizens’ Committee’, comprising pro-BNP professionals, have urged Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad to extend the last date for nomination submission for the city corporation polls.

They also drew the commission’s attention to ‘cases’ and ‘harassment’ of aspirants. 

Former Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University (DU) Prof Emajuddin Ahamed headed the six-member team on their visit of the EC office on Wednesdayafternoon.

The other members were the BNP chief’s Advisor and Supreme Court Bar Association President Khandaker Mahbub Hossain, DU teacher Mahbub Ullah, Gonoshasthaya Kendra founder Zafrullah Chowdhury, Supreme Court lawyer Fahmida Yasmin Munni and journalist leader Abdul Hye Shikder.

Although all the members are close to BNP, they claimed their visit was out of ‘citizens interest’ and not on behalf of the political party.

When asked what the CEC said, BNP chief’s Advisor Khandaker Mahbub said, “He has assured us. Hopefully he will show it through his work.”

The BNP is yet to formally announce its stand on the city polls due on Apr 28.

According to several senior leaders, the party, however, had cleared possible candidates to collect nomination papers, which are available until Mar 29.

The other demands of the ‘Citizens’ Committee’ are that arrested and accused aspirants be allowed to campaign unhindered, no administrative step should be taken against candidates backed by non-ruling parties, arms and muscle power should be controlled and security of campaigners and polling agents should be ensured.

Asked whether the CEC assured them to fulfil the demands, Emajuddin said the CEC did not specifically say anything.

“He has given us an overall assurance. He said he would try his best,” Emajuddin said.

Earlier after meeting BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, Emajuddin had said that she seemed to be positive about the city polls.

BNP aspirants collected nomination papers on Wednesday.

Papers for Khaleda’s Adviser Abdul Awal Mintoo and leader Abdus Salam were collected for the polls to Dhaka North City Corporation and Dhaka South City Corporation respectively.

About their demand to extend the time for submission of nomination papers, Emajuddin said, “It’s not the main issue. But we have urged this to ensure participation of all by giving equal opportunities and a proper environment for the elections.”

He also urged the government to unlock the BNP headquarters at Naya Paltan.

Khandaker Mahbub said that it would be decided at the party forum whether the 20-Party Alliance, it leads, would join the elections.

“The Citizens’ Committee is only urging to create a level playing field,” he said.