EC dismisses BNP allegations

Election Commissioner Mohammad Abdul Mobarak has dismissed BNP's allegations that it has failed to exercise its authority in the 4th Upazila (UZ) Parishad elections. Mobarak's remarks came at a press briefing at the Election Commission Secretariat on the eve of the fifth phase of the local government polls on Monday. A journalist drew his attention to BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia's comment that the commission is spineless and it should resign. In reply Mobarak said "But her party is now taking part in the (UZ) elections under us. Why should BNP take part in the polls if we are worthless?" Another election commissioner Zabed Ali, sitting next to Mobarak, said BNP has long been making such demands. "They were making such comments since the very first day when we assumed the office," he said. Replying to a query whether the election commissioners would resign if the fifth phase of the local body polls is marred by further violence Mobarak replied in the negative. He claimed that the EC is sparing nobody responsible for either negligence or for the violence and vote rigging, according to UNB.