Dhaka: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) senior leader Moudud Ahmed on Friday said the Election Commission's (EC's) roadmap or its planned dialogue with political parties will turn pointless if an election-time supportive government system is not installed to hold the next general election.

"The Election Commission won't be able to conduct the election neutrally unless a non-party impartial supportive government is there in place to hold the election under it," he said.

Moudud, a BNP standing committee member, came up with the remark while speaking at a programme arranged by Senbagh Jatiyatabdai Forum, Dhaka at National Press Club, demanding the release of BNP chairperson's advisory council member Zainul Abedin Farroque.

About BNP's position on the EC's dialogue with political parties, he said though their party has no confidence in the current Commission, it will join the talks to place the party's recommendations and observations to it. "We'll participate in the dialogue in the interest of people, not to give the EC recognition."

Mentioning that Bangladesh Election Commission is powerful almost like that of India's one, he said, "But, we've no tradition or practice to hold a fair election as the Election Commission is under a partisan government."

The BNP leader said the EC will have no other alternative to acting at the behest of the government during the election, if it is held under a partisan government, no matter what roadmap or plans it works out.

He criticised the Prime Minister and other ministers for seeking votes for their party symbol boat using the state facilities. "They're carrying out election campaign, but we're not even allowed to hold a rally."

Moudud asked BNP leaders and activists to get united to restore democracy and people's rights.