EC plays silent role against polls code violators: BNP

BNP today alleged that the Election Commission is playing a “silent role” against those who are breaching the electoral code of conduct ahead of the 11th parliamentary election scheduled for December 30.

“Awami League President Sheikh Hasina held a meeting with 4,500 nomination seekers at Gono Bhaban yesterday, but the Election Commission remained silent though such event was held at a state-owned establishment spending government’s money,” BNP leader Rizvi Ahmed said.

Addressing a press conference at the party office in Nayapaltan, the BNP leader said, “Such type of event is a clear violation of section 14 (2) of the electoral code of conduct.”

He said though the movement of vehicles in and around of the Gono Bhaban came to a halt, neither the EC nor the law enforcers took any measures against such “unlawful activities”.

He alleged that the commission is working to keep the field smooth for a particular party ahead of the upcoming general election.

About yesterday’s attack, Rizvi said people believe that police attacked the BNP leaders and activists and wounded them with bullets at the “behest of ruling party general secretary Obaidul Quader”.

He alleged that the clash ensued as “police ran their vehicle over the party leaders and activists” while they were enthusiastic over collection of nomination papers.

He also criticised the role of the law enforcers as they did not take any action when a huge number of Awami League leaders and activists gathered in front of the Gono Bhaban halting traffic in the area.

A group of activists of the ruling party’s student and youth wings of Dhaka city unit “carried out the attack wearing helmets under the police protection” in a planned way, Rizvi added.