Govt out to manipulate UZ election results: BNP

Accusing the government of having failed to ensure a congenial atmosphere for fair upazila polls, BNP acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir Friday alleged the ruling party is out there to manipulate Saturday's elections, reports UNB.
"The aggressive remarks of ministers and ruling party leaders over the upazila polls give an impression that they want to grab Upazila Parishads using their clouts," he said.
The BNP spokesman brought the allegation while talking to reporters after placing wreaths at the grave of BNP founder late president Ziaur Rahman, marking the release of Swechchhasebak Dal general secretary Mir Sharafat Ali Sapu and organising secretary Shafiul Bari Babu from jail.
Fakhrul, however, hoped that their party-backed candidates have bright prospect to win the polls in most of the upazilas if those are held in a free and fair manner. "People will give their verdict against this regime provided the elections are free and fair."
The BNP leader alleged the opposition leaders and activists are being harassed, tortured and implicated in 'false' cases by the ruling party men and law enforcers to intimidate the voters.
He said the Election Commission has totally failed to maintain law and order and ensure an enabling atmosphere for a free, fair and credible election.
Eighty-one upazila polls are going to polls in 41 districts in the third phase of the local body elections on Saturday.
In the first two phases of the upazila polls held on February 19 and 27 respectively, the BNP-led 19 party-supported chairman candidates won in around 117 upazilas while the ruling party favourites in 82.
Criticising the government for hiking the power tariff, Fakhrul said the price has been raised to provide subsidy to the ruling party-backed businessmen's quick rental power plants cutting the public pocket.
Replying to a question, Fakhrul said the new convening committee of the party's Dhaka city unit BNP will be formed as per the decision and directives of the party's highest forum.
He, however, declined to elaborate as to when and how the committee will be constituted.
Meanwhile, Apprehen-ding manipulation in the third phase of upazila polls set to be held today (Saturday), BNP Friday threatened to lay a siege to the Election Commission (EC) in case of any vote fraud.
"We together with people will lay a siege to the EC if the ruling party cadres resort to violence and terrorism, and try to capture polling stations during the Saturday's polls," said BNP joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.