Dhaka: Health Minister Mohammed Nasim on Friday alleged that BNP is now criticising the newly formed Election Commission (EC) since its instinct is to oppose EC and raise allegation of vote rigging after losing elections.

“Opposing the EC and raising allegations of vote-rigging are the old nature of BNP. In the past, the party opposed former chief election commissioner MA Sayed. Chief of former caretaker government Latifur Rahman was said to be an Awami League man. But, they worked for BNP,” he said. 

Nasim, also Awami League Presidium Member, came up with the remarks while addressing a reminiscence programme at Jatiya Press Club in the capital.

Bangabandhu Sangskritik Jote arranged the condolence meeting to mourn late Awami League leader and veteran parliamentarian Suranjit Sengupta.

Criticising BNP for its alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami, Nasim said the character of BNP will remain the same whether it remains allied with Jamaat in next polls or not.

“There is no basic difference between the characters of BNP and Jamaat. If BNP assumes power, the country will turn into a Pakistan-like-situation. The country’s people know it and that’s why they will not vote for them,” he said.

Calling upon BNP to participate in the next parliamentary election, the Health Minister said the ruling Awami League wants to win the next general election once again and it is implementing development works to do so.

Recalling the contribution of Suranjit to the country’s politics, Nasim said Suranjit was one of the best parliamentarians in the country’s history and he has not seen another skilled parliamentarian like him.    

Shipping Minister Shajahan Khan, Food Minister Quamrul Islam, Mohibur Rahman Manik, MP, and pro-vice chancellor of Dhaka University Professor Dr Md Akhtaruzzaman, among others, spoke at the meeting.