Election Commission is helpless, says BNP

Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda, who has expressed “embarrassment and shock” over violent clashes, is helpless, says the BNP.

BNP Vice-Chairman Selima Rahman met the CEC at his office on Wednesday, voicing concern over the attacks on BNP leaders and activists. The police are arresting the leaders and activists rather than preventing the attacks on them, she alleged.

The chief election commissioner failed to provide any assurance of tackling violence, Selima said.

"We believe he is helpless. He is embarrassed as he cannot do anything about it.”

Almost 2,000 candidates contesting the election along with their supporters started their election campaign on Monday, after the election symbols were allocated.

On Monday, supporters from rival political parties clashed in parts of the country, leaving two supporters from the ruling party dead.

Also, BNP Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and few other candidates’ motorcades were attacked.

Huda expressed his shock over the incident of death.

The attack on Mirza Fakhrul’s motorcade in Thakurgaon is ‘unexpected’, the CEC said.

A BNP delegation led by Selima met the CEC after he made the remark.

“The Election Commission had said none of the leaders and activists will be arrested after the election schedule is announced. But still our leaders and activists are being attacked, arrested or named in fake cases,” Selima told reporters following the meeting.

“The CEC said they spoke to the police on the issue when we informed him. But the police said those leaders and activists were named in cases. The EC is trying to settle the issue, the CEC told us,” said Selima.

The BNP vice-chairman expressed her concern over finding their agents during the election as the CEC could not assure the party of taking specific steps.

“The Awami League and the criminals they patronise are attacking us with the help of the police. Police are arresting even those who are out on bail.”

Selima said many BNP leaders and activists went into hiding.

She urged the Election Commission to arrest those who have been engaged in violence and prevent the attacks on the BNP leaders and activists.

“We also want to cooperate with the Election Commission to hold a fair election. That is why we often come here.”

BNP Vice Chairman AZM Zahid Hossain and Adviser to the BNP Chairperson Bijon Kanti Roy were part of the delegation.