05:32 PM, December 16, 2018 / LAST MODIFIED: 05:49 PM, December 16, 2018

EC not functioning constitutionally: Dr Kamal

The Election Commission (EC) is not performing its responsibilities constitutionally, Jatiya Oikyafront’s leader Dr Kamal Hossain alleged today.

“EC is doing nothing to stop attacks on the opposition activists,” he said at a press conference at Oikyafront’s Paltan office in Dhaka this afternoon.

Criticising the commission’s role, he said: “The opposition candidates are being attacked everywhere, but there is no investigation by the EC”.

There is no legal action taken yet by the commission against the attackers, he alleged; adding that he finds slack in initiatives taken by the body.

Expressing concern over the matter, he said: “I have doubt over the EC whether it will be able to hold a fair and credible election if such situation is going on”.

He called on the party activists to stay alert so that the voters can go to the polling stations safely and cast their votes.

WHAT ARE THE ALLEGATIONS AGAINST GOVERNMENT?

BNP and JatiyaOikyafront have been blaming the government for carrying out mass arrest and harassment of their contenders, leaders and activists deliberately across the country ahead of the December 30 general election.

After announcement of the election schedule, BNP has been lodging complaints with the Election Commission (EC) seeking its step to stop the ongoing arrests and harassment for creating a level-playing field to hold the 11th parliamentary election in a credible manner.

WHO ARE THE TOP LEADERS WHO HAVE COME UNDER ATTACK?

On December 14, JatiyaOikyafront key leader Dr Kamal Hossain’s motorcade came under attack near Martyred Intellectuals Memorial at Mirpur while he was returning after paying tribute, leaving at least 25 to 30 people injured.

On December 11, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam’s motorcade also came under attack, allegedly by AL men, in Thakurgaon’sDanarhat village during his election campaign.

At least 10 people were hurt and four vehicles were also vandalised in the attack, according to BNP.

On December 15, BNP leader Mirza Abbas reportedly came under attack when he was electioneering near Shegunbagicha area of Dhaka. Seven to eight BNP activists were wounded in the attack.


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