Bhola-3 polls a 'test case' for govt: BNP

Terming the Bhola-3 by-poll a 'test case' for the government, opposition and the Election Commission, BNP Secretary General Khandaker Delwar Hossain yesterday said they won't stay away from the election.
"Awami League is conspiring to keep BNP away from the election, but we will take part in it," he said at a press conference at the party's central office in Naya Paltan, Dhaka.
Delwar warned the government of consequences like the agitation staged by the then opposition Awami League over Magura by-poll during BNP's rule.
"Magura by-election was free and fair but Awami League made it a issue, boycotted the poll and later resigned from parliament. There is no reason to think that others won't follow the path," he said.
Urging the election commission to deploy army personnel during the election, the BNP leader said a terrorism-free congenial atmosphere would have to be ensured for a fair and impartial election.
Asked why BNP demands army deployment in by-poll whereas their leaders slammed the army for not playing due role in 2008 election in which the party experienced a defeat, Delwar said people have nothing to do if the army continues with that stance.
The BNP leader urged the EC to take immediate steps to prevent "terrorism in Bhola-3 constituency" and create such an atmosphere as voters can exercise their rights without any fear.
BNP leaders Mir Nasiruddin, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, among others, were present at the press briefing.
TOFAIL ON BY-POLL
Meanwhile, Awami League advisory council member Tofail Ahmed yesterday said the government and his party would assist the Election Commission to implement any decision on Bhola by-poll.
"We will assist the Election Commission whatever decision it takes to make the poll free and fair," said Tofail, also the coordinator of the party's by-election conducting team.
On BNP's demand for army deployment in the Bhola by-poll, he said no such instance was found in any by-election in the country.
Tofail also said BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and secretary general Khandaker Delwar Hossain don't want their candidate Major (retd) Hafizuddin to win the by-poll as the contestant tried to split the party during the last caretaker regime.
The Awami League leader was addressing a press briefing at the party chief's Dhanmondi office in the city.
He noted a portion of BNP leaders are against Hafizuddin.
Tofail alleged the BNP leaders provide false information to the media on Bhola situation. "The BNP leaders, who brief press on the Bhol-3 by-election, hardly visit the constituency."
The opposition really don't want the by-poll to be held, he said.
Tofail is leaving for Bhola tonight. He invites foreign observers and journalists to observe the by-poll.
Awami League joint general secretary Mahbubul Alam Hanif, who was also present at the briefing, said BNP leaders are trying to make an issue out of the by-election so that they can foil the trial of war criminals.