BNP's stay in polls depends on EC's role, says Fakhrul

BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said on Wednesday whether their party and alliances will remain in the election race until the last, depends on the role of the Election Commission (EC), reports UNB.

"The EC is still playing a biased role. Their attitude is in no way neutral.

Still, three's time, and the Commission can create an atmosphere conducive to a fair election, if it wants," he said.

Talking to reporters at his Uttara residence before starting his journey for Bogura in the morning, the BNP leader further said, "It depends on the role of the EC whether we'll stay in the election until the end of voting."

Fakhrul said they will discuss the role of the EC and law enforcers, and the election atmosphere before the voting at the forum of their party and alliances, and take final decision on the election.

He said the election has already become questionable due to the' biased' role of the EC and law enforcers.

The BNP leader said they had an expectation that election atmosphere would be created in the country after the deployment of army.

"But it didn't happen. Rather our candidates and senior leaders like Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Subrta Chowdhury and many others came under attack.

The way violence is growing and opposition candidates are being attacked and obstructed it won't be possible to hold a credible election."

Fakhrul is scheduled to address some election rallies in Bogura and Rangpur before going to Thakurgaon Wednesday night.

He will carry out electioneering in Thakurgaon today (Thursday).

Fakhrul is contesting the December-30 national election from Thakuragon-1 and Bogura-6 seats.

Meanwhile, ruling party supporters allegedly obstructed BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir's wife and daughter from carrying out electioneering in favour of him here on Wednesday.

Fakhrul's wife Rahat Ara Begum and daughter Mirza Shamarukh came up with the allegation at a press conference at their residence at around 02:00 pm.

Shamarukh said they went to distribute leaflets and carry out electioneering in favour of Mirza Fakhrul at Basirpara in the district town at around 01:00 pm.

"Suddenly, a group of Chhatra League activists equipped with sharp weapons waylaid us and tried to attack us. But, BNP leaders and activists saved us."

Rahat Ara said, "We've managed to escape a serious attack on our lives."

They demanded the Election Commission to ensure their security so that they can safely carry out election campaign in favour of Fakhrul.

Mirza Fakhrul is contesting the December-30 national election from Thakuragon-1 and Bogura-6 seats.

BNP sources said Fakhrul is scheduled to go to Thakurgaon tonight (Wednesday night) after conducting election campaign in Bogura and its adjoining districts. He will carry out electioneering in Thakurgaon on Thursday.