BNP tells chief election commissioner to take firm stand against vote rigging or quit

The BNP has urged the chief election commissioner to act against ‘vote loot’ in the current local government elections or quit.

Vice-chairman Abdullah Al Noman made the call while talking to reporters after a BNP delegation met CEC Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad to lodge complaints against poll fraud in the third phase of the municipal polls held on Wednesday.
 
He said, “Vote snatching is going on. We have told the CEC to cancel all polls and hold them afresh. The nation will support you if you stand firm even for once.”
 
The BNP leader urged the CEC to quit if he failed to act.
 
He said Rakibuddin had responded by saying the EC would look into the complaints.
 

CEC Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad (File Photo)

Noman alleged ruling Awami League supporters had taken over polling centres in Noakhali on Tuesday night and stuffed ballot boxes hours before voting was to officially commence on Wednesday morning.

Elections were held in nine municipalities during the day.

They are Ghorhashal and Raipura in Narsingdi, Lakshmipur Sadar, Kasba in Brahmanbarhia, Sadar and Senbagh in Noakhali, Chhagalnaiya in Feni, Teknaf in Cox’s Bazar and Ramgarh in Khagrhachharhi.

The BNP alleged rigging in the union polls, too. Four phases of the union elections are already over and another two will be held this month and next month.