Dhaka: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Thursday alleged that the Comilla City Corporation polls were ‘marred by widespread violence, vote rigging and irregularities’ as the Election Commission has failed to perform its constitutional duties.

“Ruling party cadres and law enforcers continued to drive out BNP candidate’s agents and supporters from different polling stations since morning. They got desperate in the afternoon and indulged in stuffing ballots capturing all most all centres by blasting crude bombs,” said BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.

He came up with the allegation at a press briefing at BNP’s central office in capital Dhaka's Nayapaltan after the voting came to a close.

“We didn’t see any active role of the CEC and his Commission in preventing the ruling party’s terrorism and irregularities by exercising their legal and constitutional authorities. The Election Commission has absolutely failed to perform its duties. It couldn’t act for ensuring a fair and peaceful election,” the BNP leader said.

He alleged that BNP leaders and activists and some pro-BNP councillor candidates were attacked and harassed at many polling stations during the voting.

Asked whether they will accept the election results, Rizvi said they will give come up with their party’s reaction after collecting more information about the polls.

“The ruling party has snatched people’s voting rights resorting to violence to ensure the continuation of its terrorism-based politics and election. They’re trying to intimidate common voters so that they get discouraged in casting votes,” he observed.

To get rid of it, the BNP leader said, an inclusive and election must be held under a non-party administration by ousting the current government through a mass upsurge. “Or else, people won’t be able to exercise their right to franchise freely in Hasina-style polls.”