BNP accuses AL men of driving out polling agents from booths

Accusing the ruling party men of driving out their mayoral candidate's polling agents from different centres, a BNP senior leader on Thursday voiced strong doubt about neutral election in Rangpur City Corporation, reports UNB.

He made the comments while speaking at a press briefing at the party's Nayapaltan central office in the city.

BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi alleged its mayoral candidate Kausar Zaman Babla was obstructed from visiting polling stations as the Election Commission played an 'inactive' role.

"The ruling party cadres forced out the polling agents of the sheaf of paddy from a number of centers soon after the start of voting. The voters are intimidated so that they don't go to polling stations. We've received the information from our candidate and local leaders," he said.

Under the circumstances, the BNP leader said, "We're in serious doubt whether the Rangpur City Corporation polls will be held in an impartial manner."

He said the ruling party men spread fear among the supporters of the BNP candidate by visiting their houses before the start of voting.

Besides, Rizvi said, a local BNP leader, Shohidul, was arrested in the early hours on Thursday.

He alleged the Election Commission is playing a mysterious role in the polls.

"They don't take any action even after lodging of complaint with them. In fact, the EC is working relentlessly to appease the Awami League-led grand alliance."

Outgoing mayor Sarfuddin Ahmed is contesting the election to retain his mayoral position with Awami League ticket while Kausar Zaman Babla and Mostafizur Rahman Mostaf with BNP and Jatiya Party tickets respectively.