Dhaka: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) senior leader Moudud Ahmed on Saturday said the government should now hold a national election under a polls-time neutral administration without any fear after a massive victory in Narayanganj City Corporation (NCC) polls.

Speaking at a discussion, he, however, alleged that there was no level-playing field for all candidates in Thursday’s NCC election.

“After the Narayanganj election, the government has said people and public opinions are in favour of it. I think the government should arrange a general election under a neutral or election-time government right now following such a big election victory,” he said.

He further said, “As the Prime Minister has said people are with her, we can urge her to hold an election under a non-party neutral administration. The party which will get mandate in such polls will govern the country.”

Moudud, a BNP standing committee member, came up with the comments while addressing the programme arranged by Nagorik Forum at the Jatiya Press Club.

He claimed that Awami League NCC mayoral candidate Selina Hayat Ivy enjoyed more advantages than BNP candidate as the law enforcers and administration are like her friends there. “But there was no friendly administration and friendly atmosphere for our party candidate. So, there was no level-playing field in the polls.”

The BNP leader said if Awami League thinks they are very popular, it should not fear of holding a fair election under a neutral administration.

Moudud said it is now a great opportunity for Awami League to hold a fair national election under a neutral administration by forming an independent Election Commission (EC) and allowing the law enforcers to act independently and neutrally.

The BNP leader said their chairperson placed a 13-point proposal on constituting a neutral and stronger EC as the party believes in democracy.

Terming the President’s initiative for holing talks with political party on EC formation a positive step, he said this process should be continued so that the EC can be formed with all parties’ opinions.

Moudud said one-party bad politics has been there now in the country as the government has taken all steps to eliminate its opponents.

Mentioning that restoration of democracy is the biggest challenge for the current government, he said a strong, neutral and independent Commission is necessary for overcoming the challenge.