Govt trying to hold Khulna-style polls in Gazipur: BNP

BNP on Friday alleged that the government is trying to hold Gazipur city polls without voters in Khulna style with the help of law enforcers.

“The government is trying to drive away the supporters of Sheaf of Paddy from the election area using police to hold the Gazipur city polls without voters in Khulna style,” said party senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.

Speaking at a press conference at the party’s Nayapaltan central office, the BNP leader also said the Election Commission (EC) is sitting idle when Awami Luge is preparing to ensure its victory in the Gazipur polls by resorting to vote fraud, terrorism and capturing polling stations.

According to the schedule announced by the EC, the election to Gazipur City Corporation will be held on July 26.

Sensing its sure defeat, Rizvi alleged, the ruling party is now conducting police raids on the houses of BNP and other opposition leaders and activists and threatening them.

He claimed that police raided the houses of many BNP leaders, including party executive committee members Dr Mazharul Alm and Mir Halimuzzaman’s ones, on Thursday night and harassed and intimidated their family members.

The BNP leader alleged that the government has sent their party chief Khaleda Zia to jail in a planned way to hold another lopsided election like the 2014 one keeping BNP and other political parties out of the race.

He also accused the government of continuing its drive to eliminate BNP leaders and activists by establishing on control on the media.

Rizvi warned that people are ready to oust the government by showing a red card by taking to the streets.