AL men obstructing party candidate in RCC polls: BNP

RANGPUR, Dec 17 (UNB): BNP vice-chairman Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku alleged on Sunday his party mayoral candidate in Rangpur City Corporation polls is being obstructed by ruling party men from carrying out electioneering.

He also alleged Awami League and Jatiya Party mayoral candidates are repeatedly violating the election code of conduct as the Election Commission is not taking proper action against them.

Tuku, also the convener of BNP central election steering committee formed to monitor the election to Rangpur City Corporation, came up with the allegation at a press conference at the party's city office.

He alleged ruling party men are threatening his party candidate's probable polling agents of dire consequence if they go to the polling stations on the election day.

The BNP leader said the Commission is yet to create a proper atmosphere for holding a fair and credible election in a neutral manner.

He called upon the Election Commission to take stern action against the violation of the election code of conduct and ensure a congenial atmosphere so that voters can cast their votes without any fear and obstruction.

Tuku also said his party candidate will be there in the race until the last minute whatever the situation is. "We'll once again expose Awami League's true face by staying in the race under any circumstances."

Rangpur City Corporation will go to polls on December 21 while the deadline for election campaign expires on Tuesday midnight.

BNP chairperson's adviser Zainul Abedin Farroque and Rangpur divisional organising secretary Asadul Habib Dulu were, among others, present at the press conference.