BNP demands deployment of army a week before polls
Chittagong unit BNP leaders in the port city yesterday demanded that the army be deployed one week before the polls to the city corporation to ensure a free and fair election.
Meanwhile, two mayoral candidates announced their manifestos with solving waterlogging their top priority.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Moreover, the Election Commission (EC) sent a notice asking Chittagong Metropolitan Police Commissioner Abdul Jalil Mandol of steps taken regarding Saturday's attack on BNP activists in the city.
Besides, the EC last night removed an arch containing banners of Awami League-backed mayor candidate AJM Nasir and ward 28 councillor candidate Mohammad Abdul Quader from Agrabad Badamtoli area.
BNP city unit President Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury and central Vice-Chairman Abduallah Al Noman demanded army deployment at a press conference at Khasru's residence.
The conference was organised protesting the attack on BNP activists in Bangla Bazar in the city's Sher Shah area on Saturday afternoon.
Former BNP lawmaker Syed Wahidul Alam, who was among the injured in the attack, was present at the conference.
Claiming that ruling party men are using muscle power to create a tense atmosphere among voters, Khasru said, "City residents are now doubtful whether a free and fair election would be held."
Khasru said without army it was tough to defy "muscle power", and alleged that law enforcers were working as associates of the ruling Awami League-backed mayor aspirant.
On Saturday, while inaugurating election offices of two BNP-backed ward councillor aspirants, BNP activists were attacked allegedly by BCL and Jubo League men.
Meanwhile, BNP-backed ward councillor Jonab Ali alleged that police refused to file cases in connection with the attack.
He said they went to Bayezid Police Station three times but police did not file any case.
Contacted, Officer-in-Charge of the police station Babul Chandra Banik said they filed a case against three named and 60 unnamed men in the afternoon.
He denied any delay in filing the case.
Meanwhile, Jatiya Party-backed mayoral candidate Md Solaiman Alam Seth announced his election manifesto at Chittagong Press Club.
Other commitments of Seth include ensuring education for all, reducing traffic congestion in the city, and free WiFi at schools and colleges.
Bangladesh Islami Front-backed mayoral candidate MA Motin also announced his manifesto at the press club.
His pledges include developing the education system, easing traffic jam, creating a "digital" Chittagong, ensuring transparency and accountability and creating a healthy city.
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