Hasnat Abdullah, chief organiser (Southern Region) of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has termed the scuffle during the Election Commission’s (EC) hearing on constituency delimitation as a “test match” for taking over polling centres.
He made the remarks at a press conference at the EC office on Sunday.
Hasnat Abdullah said the current Election Commission was formed on a “pick and choose” basis, and its role has always been questionable. He added that the incident had exposed to the nation how the upcoming election may unfold and what role both EC and BNP would play.
Referring to comments made by a BNP leader Rumeen Farhana during the clash, Hasnat said, “She openly said that they could have brought in goons if they wanted. This shows BNP’s patronisation of thuggery. We saw demonstrations with sticks outside the EC office. If this is the condition at the EC office, it is now clear how their supporters will attempt to occupy polling centres nationwide. This incident is a test match.”
Hasnat also referred to Rumeen Farhana, alleging that she had applied for a government flat from Sheikh Hasina. He claimed that she had enjoyed benefits during the Awami League’s rule despite her statements.
He further said, “Today’s role of EC has again proved our concerns. Police acted as silent spectators. We saw how our activists were blocked from entering the EC office, while BNP activists were given free passage. This EC has become an office for a particular party.”
Calling for a credible and inclusive election, Hasnat stated, “The people of Bangladesh want democratic transition, not a return to thuggery. But the way this EC is working shamelessly to execute one party’s agenda, it is becoming an obstacle to free elections.”
He also warned police officials, saying, “We have seen what happened to officers who manipulated elections in exchange for money. Only the people can protect you, not any political party.” He said NCP would lodge a formal complaint with EC regarding the incident and monitor what action is taken.
NCP Joint Secretary Joynal Abedin Shishir added, “From the very beginning we have said that EC, from top to bottom, is controlled by the Awami League and BNP. Today we saw proof, our senior leaders were attacked inside EC premises in its presence, and the attackers walked away freely.”
He said, “We did not come here to seek mercy from EC. If the commission acts like a party worker or the office secretary of BNP, we will not allow it. We have repeatedly said that under this commission a fair election is impossible. Today’s attack on our senior leaders in front of EC proves that again, ” he added.