STAFF REPORTER
Diplomats from a number of countries were briefed yesterday by senior BNP leaders at chairperson’s Gulshan office on different election irregularities in which their candidates were not allowed to carry out election camping freely.The BNP leaders expressed their concern cleared the party’s stance on participation in the December 30 municipality polls.
BNP sources said envoys and representatives from at least 15 countries including the USA and the UK joined the hour-long briefing began at 11:00am.
The countries, which representatives took part in the meeting include India, Pakistan, Australia, Nepal, Turkey and Sweden, among others, also took part in the meeting. Representatives from the UN and European Union also took part in the meeting.
Talking to reporters, standing committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, who led the party delegation, told reporters that the meeting was a part of official attachment with foreign diplomats.
“We have presented the total picture of electioneering of the municipality elections,” he said.
He further said they raised their fears about the violating of election code of conduct and fair polls.
Sources said the BNP leaders expressed their concern that the BNP candidates cannot take part in election campaign freely and in many places they are being harassed.
They also raised fears that the ruling Awami League would try to hold a farcical and lopsided polls as it did in the January 5 general election.
BNP chief’s adviser Reaz Rahman, leaders Saleh Uddin Ahmed and Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury were among those who participated from the BNP side.
The BNP that had boycotted the January 5 general polls, is participating in the election for the first time under the party banners.
The BNP leaders are abuzz with complaints against ruling Awami League supporters accusing them of carrying out rampant violations to the electoral code of conduct.
BNP chairperson’s adviser Sabihuddin Ahmed, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Reaz Rahman, Asaduzzaman Ripon and Inam Ahmed Chowdhury also took part in the meeting.
