Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB) on Tuesday alleged that the leaders of one or two political parties are receiving VVIP treatment, creating hurdles to a level playing field ahead of the national election and referendum scheduled for February 12.

“We told the Election Commission that some political parties are getting priority in various cases. The chiefs of one or two parties are enjoying VVIP protocol. This has raised various questions among people and is clearly a barrier to ensuring a level playing field,” said IAB spokesperson Gazi Ataur Rahman.

He said this while talking to reporters after a meeting between his party's five-member delegation and Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin at the latter's office at the city's Nirbachan Bhaban in the afternoon.

Referring to Khaleda Zia’s death, Gazi Ataur Rahman, also the IAB senior joint secretary general, said there has been excessive observance of mourning across the country.

“Begum Khaleda Zia has passed away. We are also deeply saddened by her death. But what we are seeing now is excessiveness. Using this issue, three days of national mourning have been declared across the country in various educational institutions and even government offices. If mourning is observed for months during the election period, we think that is also excessive,” he said.

He said his party urged the Election Commission to ensure that no political party can exploit the issue for political gain during the election period.

Regarding looted weapons, Gazi Ataur Rahman said they informed the EC that all stolen arms have not yet been recovered.

In reply, the Commission informed them that around 70 percent of the looted weapons have been recovered so far.

“Illegal arms are usually recovered before every election, but this time we feel the pace is somewhat slow,” said the IAB leader.

He also expressed concern over the lack of discussion and publicity regarding the referendum to be held alongside the national election.

“This election is not just a parliamentary election; at the same time, a referendum will be held on the July Charter. But there is very little discussion or campaign on the referendum. The Election Commission is also not focusing on it adequately. We told them that the referendum issue must be brought into focus and public discussion…. People are almost forgetting about the referendum,” he said.