'Rajshahi to be turned dysfunctional if irregularities occur'

BNP nominated mayoral runner Mosaddek Hossain Bulbul today warned that Rajshahi city will be turned into a dysfunctional one if the Election Commission (EC) fails to hold the Rajshahi City Corporation elections in a free, fair and credible manner.

Bulbul also said that his party men will lay siege to the local EC office and police stations if any irregularities take place during the Rajshahi city polls scheduled to be held on July 30.

“We will lay siege to the local election commission office and police stations if any kind of irregularity take place during the election on Monday,” Bulbul said during a mass campaigning programme at Saheb Bazar intersection in the city this evening.

He claimed that the law enforcement agencies have so far arrested over 175 leaders and activists belonging to the 20-party alliance including 23 polling agents.

“My party men are being detained and also being sent to different neighboring districts,” Bulbul alleged.

He also said that he has submitted several complaints to the EC over violation of the electoral code of conduct by the ruling party men, but the commission did not pay any heed to the allegations.

“If the ruling party men grab polling stations, we will pay a befitting replay by doing so,” Bulbul said, calling upon his party men to be prepared for creating resistance against any evil attempt of the ruling party men.

Citing several pre-polls irregularities across the electoral area, Bulbul said the election may not be held in a free, fair and credible manner.

“Whatever happens, I will remain in the election. I will be made the mayor again if the polls are held in a credible manner,” he said.