The Narayanganj City Corporation election was not fair as it "looked flawless on the surface" but underneath it were various plots, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia claimed yesterday.

"The Narayanganj polls looked perfect from the outside, but there were some hidden conspiracies. And people of all walks of life, even children, can understand it," she said while exchanging Christmas greetings with Christians at her Gulshan office.

The government wanted to take credit that a fair election was held under its watch. But, voters' turnout and and several other things show the December 22 polls were not fair, she said.

On the formation of the new Election Commission, she said that without a strong EC, it's not possible to restore democracy.

Khaleda said she already presented her proposal for such an EC, which would work neutrally and treat all parties equally.

"We have said there can be discussions on the framework. If anyone gives a better idea, it can be included. We should reach a consensus on the issue through talks with all parties."

But an independent and neutral EC is not enough for holding a fair election. A polls-time neutral government is also necessary to assist the commission to do its work properly, she added.