Fair polls impossible with AL-era admin, biased system: Rizvi
Tuesday, 19 August 2025
BNP Standing Committee member Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has said a free and fair national election cannot be ensured under an administration and election system aligned with Awami League (AL), reports BSS.
"A fair election will not be possible under Awami Leaugue-era administration or Awami-friendly polling agents, stressing that the Election Commission must appoint neutral officials at the field level to ensure fairness," he said.
Rizvi made the remarks while talking to journalists after paying homage to founder and former President Ziaur Rahman by placing a wreath at his grave in the capital's Sher-e-Bangla Nagar this morning.
The programme was arranged by the newly-formed Nilphamari district unit of BNP.
Rizvi, also the party's senior joint secretary general, demanded the removal of 'Awami-friendly cadres' from the election apparatus to restore neutrality.
Referring to the proposed proportional representation (PR) system of elections, he said the people of Bangladesh are not ready for such an electoral method and voiced doubt about the motives behind its advocacy.
Highlighting widespread repression of BNP leaders and activists during Sheikh Hasina's tenure, Rizvi alleged that many spent years in jail on false charges.
"Speaking out against Sheikh Hasina meant facing fabricated cases and imprisonment. During her 16-year rule, BNP activists spent most of their time either being harassed or behind bars. You all know there was an influential minister from Nilphamari who pursued a steamroller policy against BNP leaders and workers," he alleged.
On the upcoming Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) elections, Rizvi voiced hope that participation of all political streams would contribute to restoring a healthy academic atmosphere.
"If all views are represented, a fair environment for education can be ensured," he said in reply to a question.
BNP Assistant Organizing Secretary Abdul Khalek along with several leaders and activists from Nilphamari district unit were present at the event.