Dhaka: BNP on Friday alleged that the Election Commission (EC) and police officials have made a ‘grand plan’ against BNP and Jatiya Oikyafront to suppress them during the upcoming national election.

‘It seems that the Election Commission and police officials held a meeting together yesterday (Thursday) against BNP and Oikyafront. Their discussions at the meeting gave an impression that they made a grand plan to suppress BNP and Oikyafront during the forthcoming national election,’ said BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, reports the UNB.

Speaking at a press conference at BNP’s Nayapaltan central office, he also said it is now clear that the EC will not take any step to remove the partisan police officials appointed by the government to different posts.  

‘The EC is working to create a level-playing field in favour of the government while police are sincerely assisting the Commission not to hold a fair and credible election as no one can resist Oikyafront’s victory in an acceptable election,’ the BNP leader said.

He said the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) during the meeting with police officials said no one will be transferred from their current postings despite the opposition parties’ demand for removing the ‘controversial’ officials. ‘The CEC’s such comment will only inspire the partisan official to be more desperate.’

Rizvi said though the police authorities assured them of not filing any fictitious case after the announcement of the election schedule, such cases are still being filed against their leaders and activists regularly.

He alleged that the ruling party’s probable candidates are carrying out election campaign and public rallies in their areas violating the election code of conduct while police and ruling party cadres are obstructing BNP’s aspirants from going to their constituencies.

Even, the BNP leader alleged that from the Prime Minister to ministers, everyone is violating the election code of conduct as the EC is playing a silent role. ‘The government is using the state machinery like their family property. We strongly condemn it.’

He also alleged that their party’s nomination seekers are being arrested to keep BNP away from the election.

Rizvi demanded the release of their arrested probable candidates Rafiqul Islam Miah, Gisasuddin Quader Chowdhury and ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon.