Just two days ahead of balloting, the main opposition BNP on Thursday renewed its demand for deployment of army during the election to Gazipur City Corporation. A two-member BNP delegation, led by BNP standing committee member Nazrul Islam Khan, made the formal request to Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad at his office.
The BNP delegation also brought various allegations and irregularities to the CEC’s notice and demanded quick action to ensure a free and fair election.
Talking to reporters, Khan said, “We demand the CEC deploy army for ensuring a congenial atmosphere for peaceful and fair balloting.”
He alleged that the government has engaged police officers from a specific district to maintain law and order in Gazipur in a bid to manipulate the election to be held on Saturday.
Accusing a section of government officials of trying to influence the polls, he said ID cards of a number of garment workers have been taken away as part of intimidation so that they vote for the ruling party-backed mayoral runner Ajmat Ullah.
Nazrul Islam said the CEC has assured them of taking action after proper investigation.
BNP joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi was the other member of the delegation.
Earlier, another BNP delegation led by MK Anwar, met the CEC and requested him to deploy army during the polls. (Source: UNB)
