Dhaka: BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan on Wednesday expressed concerns that the Election Commission’s indifference and the silence of election officials are hindering the creation of a fair electoral environment.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Nazrul stated that major political parties’ leaders are violating the electoral code of conduct by making remarks and displaying banners. He urged the Election Commission and officials to apply the law equally, similar to their strictness with ordinary candidates.
Speaking at a press conference at the party’s election office in Gulshan, Nazrul mentioned that the BNP has already informed the Election Commission about these violations and the current election atmosphere. He emphasized that the indifference of the Commission and election officials is obstructing a fair electoral environment and expressed hope for a change in their behavior.
Nazrul, who leads BNP’s election steering committee, expressed the party’s desire for the election to proceed as scheduled on 12 February, with participation from all political parties. He noted that BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman postponed his planned northern district tour to avoid misunderstandings and to contribute to a peaceful electoral environment.
The BNP leader urged all political parties to refrain from actions that could harm the electoral atmosphere, emphasizing BNP’s commitment to a peaceful and acceptable election. He highlighted BNP’s historical role in restoring multi-party democracy and expressed the party’s dedication to ensuring a peaceful and inclusive election.
Nazrul assured the public that those who have been unable to vote in past years would be able to do so peacefully and confidently. He reiterated BNP’s demand for a level playing field to ensure a proper election atmosphere.
Nazrul criticized the Election Commission for issuing show-cause notices against several BNP candidates for minor violations while influential leaders from other parties campaigned openly without consequences. He also noted Tarique’s decision to postpone a private visit to northern districts after concerns were raised by the Election Commission, despite the visit not being political in nature.
He raised concerns about postal ballots, highlighting issues with the ballot paper design and alleged mishandling abroad, which he described as illegal and deeply worrying. Nazrul demanded immediate correction and cautioned that the credibility of postal voting could be compromised if such activities continued.
Nazrul called for punishment for those involved in these irregularities to prevent further occurrences. He warned that if such issues are not addressed, the use of postal ballots could come under scrutiny, emphasizing the necessity for a fair election to maintain public trust and prevent allegations against the incoming government.