Govt obstructs oath-taking of opposition UZ chairmen: BNP

The BNP Thursday alleged that obstructions are being created in taking oath of its alliance-backed newly-elected chairmen and vice-chairmen of the upazilas across the country, reports UNB.

"Many upazila chairmen and vice-chairmen-elect from opposition alliance were arrested before taking oath. Many could not join the oath-taking ceremony as false cases have been filed against them," said BNP joint general secretary Salauddin Ahmed.

Addressing a press conference at the BNP's Naya Paltan office in the capital, he alleged that the government has created an abnormal environment of terrorism and violence following the staggered five phase upazila elections.

"Through such continued terrorism and vandalism, it seems the government is celebrating the 'last spring of Baksali rule take-over' ceremony," the BNP leader said.

Castigating the role of the Election Commission (EC) for its 'failure to prevent vote rigging', he alleged that the EC and the law enforcing agencies have helped the ruling party cadres in vote rigging, leading to skirmishes during the upazila polls.

Salauddin said the BNP would not throw any programme that might create public sufferings. "We'll wage mass movement against the 'illegal government' underscoring the people's demands."

BSS adds from Chittagong: Police in nightlong drives arrested 25 activists of BNP and Jammat-e-Islami from different areas under Patiya Upazila Wednesday night.

On secret information, separate teams of Patiya thana police in the nightlong raid arrested 25 BNP, Jammat activists from different parts of the upazila, police said.

Mofiz Uddin, officer-in-charge (OC) of Patiya thana police said the arrestees were involved with vandalism in different areas under the police station last year.