GCC polls: Quader demands proof of BNP’s allegation of vote rigging

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader today trashed BNP's allegation of vote rigging in the Gazipur City Corporation election and asked the party to show facts and documents in support of its allegation.

"BNP alleged that its agents were driven out from 100 centres but they did not show any fact. I can challenge, they will never be able to prove the allegation," Quader remarked while addressing a post-polls press briefing at the party president Sheikh Hasina's Dhanmondi office in Dhaka this evening.

Claiming BNP's allegation of ousting polling agents as untrue, Quader, also road transport and bridges minister, said the presiding officers did not allow BNP agents in the polling centres as they failed to show their valid papers in this regard.

Referring to the arrest of BNP National Executive Committee member Maj (Retd) Mizanur Rahman for his alleged plot over Gazipur election, Quader said BNP was engaged in hatching a plot to thwart the polls and its smooth atmosphere.

Claiming that no one except BNP raised any question over impartiality of the Gazipur election, Quader said the party is playing its broken record by bringing allegations of irregularities in the election.

The city corporation election was held in a free, fair and transparent manner, Quader said adding that Awami League has upheld its words.    

“Awami League has committed to accept polls result if it goes against the party and our Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has given an instruction so that no one can tarnish her government's image over the issue,” Quader said.

The minister also expressed his optimism over victory in the GCC election and said it will be the outcome of his government’s development activities.

"I hope, the trend of victory will continue in the 11th parliamentary election slated for December," the Awami League leader said.