DHAKA: BNP has submitted a six-point written demand, including the deployment of army in the upcoming elections in city corporations, to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) KM Nurul Huda.

BNP standing committee member Dr. Abdul Moin Khan was talking to reporters after a meeting the CEC on Monday afternoon (July 23).

“We have placed six written demands regarding the upcoming Rajshahi, Sylhet and Barisal city polls,” he said. 

The demands are- army deployment, not intimidating or arresting party leaders and activists, not appointing administrative or voting officer based on ruling Awami League background, barring government MPs, ministers and other VIPs from campaigning, installing CCTV in polls centers and preventing previous irregularities happened in Gazipur, Khulna city polls.

Rajshahi, Sylhet and Barisal city polls will be held on July 30

“We are still hoping that EC will do the right thing this time and hold free and fair election,” Moin Khan added.

BNP senior leaders including Amanullah Aman, Imran Saleh Prince among others were also present at the time. 

Later Election Commissioner Brigadier General Shahadat Hossain Chowdhury briefed reporters on this matter. 

Shahadat said, “BNP submitted a list of demand which will be analyzed. We have already instructed police authority not to arrest anyone without warrant. We have also asked BNP to give a list of polling agent which we will turn over to police so that no one is harassed.”

He also said that army deployment is not necessary in city polls and CCTV will be used in some polling centers. Moreover, authorities of concerned cities were given stern directions to keep safe environment for elections.

BDST: 2050 HRS, JULY 23, 2018
AP/SMS