BNP demands army deployment during Chittagong City polls

The BNP has demanded the deployment of the army during the city corporation elections in Chittagong.

Its metropolitan unit chief Amir Khashru Mahmud Chowdhury told a media briefing on Saturday that the police were ‘aloof’ to their complaints about the breach of the electoral code.

The BNP leader’s demand for army deployment comes after the port city’s police said on Friday that they were capable of ensuring security for the city and the voting centres.

Amir Khashru said that the people were not able to cast their franchise during the Jan 5 polls and that they were looking forward for the Apr 28 polls.

“And the law-enforcers’ aloofness in such a time is a matter of concern,” he added.

The BNP leader alleged the posters and banners of the party-endorsed candidates had been pulled down in different parts of the city and supporters attacked.

He said their complaints with the Election Commission had yielded no results.

“The army is needed not just on the day of voting but a few days before the poll.”

He referred to recent visits to Chittagong by a few ministers, promising development work after the poll.

“A minister came to Chittagong to become a member of the press club. He said that there’s no need for army deployment.

“Who is he to speak on army deployment? Is he a spokesperson for the election commission? Isn’t he violating the election code by promising development and talking on army deployment?” asked Amir Khashru.