BNP accuses EC of bias in scrutiny

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party on Thursday alleged that the Election Commission’s bias in the scrutiny of nominations and in the application of electoral code had raised questions about the election atmosphere for Dhaka and Chittagong cities.
In a statement on Thursday, BNP joint secretary general Barkatullah Bulu also demanded that the EC should deploy military in the elections.‘Doubts have been raised about the election atmosphere for Dhaka and Chittagong cities because of the Election Commission’s biased behaviour in the scrutiny of  nominations and in application of electoral code of conduct,’ he said.
The statement said, ‘It is public demand that the EC should deploy army during the polls and the government should open the BNP central office and other offices of the 20-party alliance to ensure a level-playing field.’
It also urged the EC to take measures against the ‘biased attitude’ of law enforcement agencies.
The EC has cancelled the nominations of Abdul Awal Mintoo and Nasiruddin Ahmed Pintu – BNP-supported mayoral aspirants for Dhaka North and South cities respectively.