Dhaka: Bangladesh Nationalist Party joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday said the country’s election system has got weakened as the Election Commission has surrendered to ‘power and personal gains’.

Speaking at a press briefing at BNP’s Nayapaltan central office, he also alleged that ruling party men captured most polling stations and rigged votes during the elections to 10 municipals held on Sunday.

‘People’s voting rights have been sent into exile as the Election Commission has leased out voting and ballot boxes to the government. The entire election system has been pushed towards a wrong way by the Commission,’ he said.

Criticising the EC for what he said its inactive role against those violating the election code of conduct, Rizvi said the Commission is working in favour of the government to give the one-party rule a final shape.

‘The government and the Election Commission are working in partnership in all elections ignoring public opinions… the Commission high officials are endorsing snatched elections only to protect their personal interests,’ he observed.

Rizvi said the role of the current Commission will remain as a stigmatised example for the country’s future generation.