CHATTOGRAM, Dec 08: Jamaat-e-Islami-controlled BNP is getting the favour of the Election Commission for the upcoming 11th parliamentary election scheduled for December 30, alleges a senior Awami League (AL) leader.
Dr Hassan Mahmud, publicity and publication secretary of the ruling AL, made the allegation at a press conference at his port city residence on Saturday.
Mr Mahmud said many BNP leaders were disqualified by the returning officers and assistant returning officers during scrutiny of their nomination forms as they had many irregularities; despite that, the Election Commission has allowed them to contest the election.
"Signing on the nomination paper by a candidate is a legal obligation but the Election Commission finally gave back candidacies of many, including Golam Maula Roni of BNP, though they had not signed the document," he said, adding 'this is unprecedented'.
He further alleged that BNP came to power in 2001 joining hands with the anti-liberation forces that is Jamaat-e-Islami, and leaders of that party were then even made members of the cabinet.
"Actually, BNP is the outward cast-off while its core ideals are those of the Jamaat, which helped the Pakistan soldiers kill thousands of freedom-seeking people in 1971," he said.
"Ninety-three thousand Pakistani soldiers were defeated and they surrendered in Dhaka. BNP now wants to survive with support of this Jamaat which has lost its registration for its past role," he added.
"There are reports in the media that the ISI (Inter Service Intelligence) of Pakistan, a country which was defeated to us in 1971, is now working for BNP and Jamaat, aiming to bring them to power," he alleged.
"To meet this goal, the ISI officials have already held a meeting with fugitive BNP leader Tarique Rahman and Jamaat leader Barrister Abdur Razzak in London, promising all possible cooperation," he said.
Jamaat is a terrorist organisation having networks in a number of western countries including the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada, claimed Mr Mahmud, referring to various intelligence reports.
"Tarique is not only meeting with the ISI but also held meeting with international terrorist Daud Ibrahim. So it is clear that he is conspiring against the country from abroad," he said.
BNP has already declared that its activists will guard the polling centres and through this, the party has only given the hint of capturing the centres, he commented.
Hassan Mahmud, a running lawmaker from Chattogram-7 constituency (Rangunia), is contesting the general election for the same Jatiya Sangsad seat with Awami League ticket.
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