CEC opens Pandora’s box, says Rizvi

BNP Senior Joint-Secretary Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said Saturday that the CEC has let the cat out of the bag, report agencies.
Speaking at a press conference at BNP's Nayapaltan central office, he also said KM Nurul Huda could not keep the cat confined to the bag for long.
He alleged their party's allegation of vote 'robbery' in December-30 national election has now proved true with Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda's comment.
"The Chief Election Commissioner has said the risk of stuffing ballot boxes the night before the voting will reduce if EVMs are introduced. The fact over the election has started to emerge from Pandora's Box," said BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.
At an event on Friday, the CEC Nurul Huda said, "It is possible to prevent stuffing ballot boxes the night before elections by introducing the electronic voting machines or EVMs."
"The CEC's slip of tongue has revealed the fact regarding the midnight election. The CEC's remark has demonstrated that the election was held at the midnight as the EVMs were not used."
Since the national election, BNP and Jatiya Oikyafront have been accusing the ruling party of indulging in vote 'robbery' by stuffing ballot boxes on December 29 midnight.
Stating that snatching people's voting rights is tantamount to robbery, Rizvi said
KM Nurul Huda committed a serious offence by holding a midnight election only to keep the current government in power illegally.
"Your (CEC's) remarks will remain as an important document to the people about how a Chief Election Commissioner allowed stuffing ballot boxes at midnight in a national election depriving people of their voting rights," he said.
The BNP leader questioned the CEC whether he allowed the ruling party to stuff ballot boxes on December 29 to justify the use of EVMs that were procured spending thousands crore of public money.
He warned the CEC that he will have to be accountable to people some day for the midnight voting as sins never die.
Rizvi said the CEC is trying to use the EVMs in the election as thousands crore of taka is involved with it. "EVM is another means of indulging in vote fraud. No machine is required for ensuring a fair election, as only sincerity and commitment to democracy is enough for it."
He said not only the CEC, but also another Election Commissioner talked about the midnight voting carelessly as the truth cannot be buried.
Rizvi voiced deep concern as their seriously sick chairperson Khaleda Zia is yet to be taken to any hospital for treatment.
He demanded that the government should shift her to United Hospital for ensuring proper treatment of her.