BNP mayoral runner urges EC to scrap GCC polls

BNP-nominated mayoral candidate Hasan Uddin Sarker urged the Election Commission to cancel Gazipur city polls, alleging widespread rigging and other irregularities, reports bdnews24.com.

"BNP polling agents have been pushed out of more than hundreds of centres. Many people have been roughed up by the ruling party. Ruling party supporters stuffed ballot boxes with fake votes," he said at an instant news briefing on Tuesday.

His demand came five hours after the voting started 8.0am at 425 polling stations in Gazipur.

"Because of irregularities, I have requested the Election Commission to cancel the election. I'm filing a written complaint," Sarker said.

On whether he will boycott the election, he ruled out any plan to abandon the polls. "I'll fight it out to the end. I have decided not to boycott the polls to let the people know about the irregularities."

Meanwhile, Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda advised BNP leaders and activists to stand their ground in the Gazipur City Corporation elections, according to BNP Joint Secretary General Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal.

Following a meeting with the CEC on Tuesday, Alal told reporters, "We had earlier requested the EC to withdraw the superintendent of police from the Gazipur city election. But they did not."

"DB police, led by the Gazipur superintendent of police, went berserk in the area. We have already lodged our complaints regarding the matter to the returning and presiding officers of Gazipur. The chief election commissioner was informed about it as well. "

Asked whether he was reassured by the CEC's advice, the BNP leader said he was not. He said the BNP is not getting any assistance from the EC.