BNP warns of polls boycott if new EC not 'capable'

The BNP says it would stay away from the next general election again if it were to be administered by an Election Commission similar to the current one led by Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad.

Senior leader Gayeshwar Chandra Roy told a discussion on Wednesday that free and fair election is not possible under a body that 'serves a particular party.' 

"The people want to exercise their franchise safely; what we need is a commission that can ensure it," said the BNP Standing Committee member.

The party boycotted the 2014 election which brought the Awami League to power for a second straight term.

The tenure of the Kazi Rakib-led Election Commission ends in February.

Law Minister Anisul Huq recently suggested forming a ‘search committee’ like before to pick election commissioners.

The current five-strong commission was constituted through a search panel in 2012.

The then president, late Zillur Rahman, had sat with the political parties to know about their preferences.

Responding to his call, the Awami League and several other parties submitted their preferences. The BNP, however, did not.

Gayeshwar claimed that the BNP is always ready to take part in an election, which will ensure the people's rights to vote.