Dhaka: Bangladesh Nationalist Party on Monday alleged that ruling party men with the help of the administration took control over almost all the polling stations across the country and stuffed ballot boxes hours ahead of the voting of the first phase union council polls.

‘You all know the first phase of election will also be held tomorrow (Tuesday). But, the ballots boxes have already been stuffed by ruling party cadres,’ said BNP joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.

Speaking at a press briefing at BNP’s Nayapaltan central office, he also alleged that the government is stanching municipal mayoral and UC chairman posts like a demon. ‘It seems they’re giving the last bite before their fall.’

The BNP leader said ruling part men have intensified their repressive and terrorists acts before the voting to ensure the victory of their candidates.

Besides, he alleged, their candidates and leaders and activists are being arrested and intimidated to leave their respective areas. ‘The houses of our leaders and activists are being raided to force them to leave their areas.’

Rizvi bemoaned that Awami League men and law enforcers are threatening BNP candidates’ agents, their relatives, supporters to kill, make disappeared and implicate in ‘conspiratorial’ cases if they go to the polling stations. ‘The BNP candidates and its leaders and activists are now passing their days in insecurity.’

He alleged that the Election Commission and the law enforcers are not taking any action against those violating the election code of conduct and resorting to terrorists acts despite repeated complaints have been lodged with them. ‘The Election Commission has not only failed, but also emerged as a criminal one. It’s pampering the government to indulge in criminal activities.’

He urged the Election Commission to take stern action by checking the criminal activities by the ruling party men and law enforcers to ensure a fair balloting. ‘Or else, the consequences will be very dire,’ he added.