He came up with the remarks while talking to reporters at BNP’s South City Corporation polls mayoral candidate Ishraque Hossain’s Gopibagh residence.
“The Prime Minister’s ICT Adviser on Thursday said their two mayoral candidates will win the polls...he had also made a prediction about the last national election results on December 28. Usually, astrologers make such predictions,” the BNP leader said.
He further said, “We think his predictions before the voting are influencing the entire polls. When a top leader of the ruling party or a top official make such a statement on the local body polls it definitely influences the entire election system and create pressure on those involved with conducting voting.”
The BNP leader said the Prime Minister should now appoint Joy as the 'Royal Astrologer'.
On Thursday, Joy predicted landslide victories for Awami League in the elections to the two city corporations scheduled to be held on Saturday (Feb 1) as he quotes an opinion poll.
“The polling was conducted by a mock ballot, so that neither the enumerator nor we know who voted for whom,” he wrote in a post shared on his verified Facebook page on Thursday.
He said they have found this to be the most accurate method of polling. "People are not afraid to select any candidate. Those who still don't choose are the ones unlikely to vote since no election has 100% turnout. The margin of error is +/- 3%."
Fakhrul went to Ishraque’s residence in the afternoon and discussed election-related issues and gave him necessary instructions.
Later, he also told reporters that the remarks of the government officials and the ruling party leaders give an impression that the government is trying to control the election. “The ruling party general secretary said they’ll guard and control every polling station.”
Even after that, the BNP leader said they believe their party mayoral candidates in Dhaka south and north city corporations will come out successful if people get the minimum chance to cast their votes.
Asked what their party may do if attempts are made to occupy voting centres, he said people will put up a resistance against it and exercise their voting rights.
Ishraque said they will definitely resist together with people if any one tries to capture polling stations.
Earlier, Fakhrul had a meeting with their party’s mayoral candidate for Dhaka North City Corporations Tabith Awal at BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office.
Talking to reporters after the meeting, he said the Election Commission has failed to ensure a congenial atmosphere for credible voting.
“Our statement is clear that the election will have to be held in a fair and credible manner. It’s the Election Commission’s responsibility to take proper steps so that voters can freely exercise their right to franchise,” Fakhrul added.
He, however, regretted that the EC has no capability to ensure fair voting. “The Election Commission still couldn’t prove its competence.”