"He [CEC] has failed to hold a by-election fairly, how can he hold the next general election in a free and fair manner?" asked the senior Awami League leader at a press briefing at his parliament office.

Hamid said the Narsingdi by-poll was a test for the new CEC to prove his credibility when the mainstream opposition parties rejected his appointment. "But MA Aziz has failed miserably," he observed.

"Even the chief election commissioner has failed to provide security for the independent candidate during the polls," Hamid said.

Referring to a comment of Shipping Minister Akbar Hossain in parliament on Wednesday, Hamid said, "The minister spoke the truth to say that BNP has set Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) against the Awami League."

"BNP has let loose the Rab against Awami League ahead of the next general election as people already rejected the present government for its misrule and misdeeds," the deputy opposition leader said.