FE Report
Pro-BNP professionals urged the Election Commission (EC) on Friday to take steps for deployment of army a week before the city corporation elections, scheduled to be held on April 28.
They also called upon BNP leaders and activists to come out and take to the streets and work jointly to ensure victory of the party-backed candidates in the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) and Chittagong City Corporation (CCC).
"Even if you (BNP leaders and workers) stay at home, you would not avoid arrest or harassment. So, at least come out and take to the streets for once," president of Supreme Court Bar Association Khandaker Mahbub Hossain said.
He was speaking at a function at National Press Club, demanding to find out BNP joint secretary general Salahuddin Ahmed and release of Selim Bhuiyan, a leader of Sommilito Peshajibi Porishod (SPP). SPP organised the programme.
"If you (BNP leaders and activists) come out and police arrest you, then you should understand that the victory of your party-backed candidates is certain," he said.
Journalist Ruhul Amin Gazi and others were also present in the programme.
Meanwhile, former vice-chancellor of Dhaka University Dr Emajuddin Ahmed demanded deployment of army at least one week before the city corporation elections to facilitate the voters in casting their votes without intimidation and fear.
"It is the responsibility of EC to hold free, fair and credible city corporations elections. So it is their responsibility to take steps to deploy army in the corporation areas."
He said this at a seminar titled 'city corporation elections amid killing, abduction and fear of arrest' at National Press Club on Friday. Bangladesh Democratic Council (BDC) organised the programme.
He expressed apprehension that the city corporation elections might not be free and fair, it army is not deployed.
Mentioning that BNP has taken the city corporation polls as a challenge he said, "A good opportunity has come to us to teach a good lesson to the government. We hope we will win the challenge."
"You (EC), please prove your capacity by holding free, fair and credible polls. Otherwise the nation and the international community will throw you to the bin of history."
Emajuddin Ahmed called upon EC to ensure such an environment that the voters can cast their votes without fear and intimidation.
He urged the youth to remain vigil at polling centres on the election day, and said they will inform the world, if there are irregularities in the election.
With BDC president M Halim in the chair the seminar was also addressed, among others, by BNP chairperson's adviser Barrister Haider Ali, president of Shadhinota Forum Abu Naser Mohammad Rahmatullah, and Barrister Parvez Ahmed.
talhabinhabib@yahoo.com
Deploy army a week before city corpn polls
FE Team | Published: April 11, 2015 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00
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