Nothing in sight for fair polls: BNP

BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said on Monday no sign is still visible in the country for holding the next national election in a credible manner, reports UNB.

He also accused the government of indulging in widespread arrest of its leaders and activists.

"The number of unlawful arrest has marked a sharp rise over the last few days. Police have been arresting our 100-150 leaders and activists on the day when our chairperson goes to court, and implicating them in false cases. Even, the Supreme Court Bar Association president and secretary who accompany the madam (Khaleda) in the court have been made accused (in a vandalism case)," he said.

The BNP leader made the remarks while speaking at a press conference at BNP's Nayapaltan central office in the city.

Fakhrul further said, "Under the circumstances, we don't find any visible sign for a fair election."

He said the government should step down paving the way for arranging an inclusive election under a non-party neutral administration.

The BNP secretary general alleged the Prime Minister's recent various comments about BNP founder Ziaur Rahman and its chairperson Khaleda Zia are devoid of political etiquette.

He strongly condemned the Prime Minister's comments and urged her to refrain from making such statements.

About the President's speech in parliament, Fakhrul said Abdul Hamid did not talk about many issues, including the rights of people that are being snatched.

"We're upset that the President can't play the due role in the interest of the country."

On the by-polls to the Dhaka North City Corporation's mayoral post, he said his party policymakers have already decided to join it.

He, however, said BNP is yet to finlaise its candidate to contest in the by-polls.