“I would like to urge the Election Commission to let people know as to why you can’t perform your duties neutrally, freely and independently. If you’re unable to do so, you please step down,” he told reporters at BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office at noon.
The BNP leader criticised the Election Commission (EC) for what he said its failure to ensure any level-playing field. “The election is going to be a farce. Instead of taking steps for ensuring a level-playing field, they’re making efforts to worsen the situation further.”
He also alleged that various obstacles are being created constantly to keep BNP away from the election.
Fakhrul said the EC is issuing various notices that are not conductive to a fair election.
He said though it is restricted to holding any rally and election campaign before the allocation of the election symbol, the ruling party runners are regularly holding meetings and rallies without any obstruction.
The BNP leader called upon the Election Commission to exercise their constitutional authorities to hold the election in a fair and credible manner. “We would like to tell the Commission that the election will not be acceptable to all if you work as per the directives of ministers and ruling party leaders.
He alleged that the ruling party is trying to hold a one-party and lopsided election by establishing its control over all the institutions of the country.
Fakhrul said their party’s several thousand leaders and activists have been kept in jail while law enforcers are arresting many others regularly in ‘false’ cases.
He demanded the release of their chairpersons Khaleda Zia and all other arrested leaders and activists immediately.
The BNP leader said they hope to finalise their party’s candidates for the 11th parliamentary elections by Wednesday.
Fakhrul urged the voters to get ready to go to the polling stations to exercise their right to franchise under any circumstances and thus restore their ownership of the country.