BNP wants army at all polling centres

BNP yesterday called for deployment of army at every polling centre during the April 28 city corporation elections in Dhaka and Chittagong to ensure free and fair voting.
The army personnel should also be given the power of magistrates, Asaduzzaman Ripon, BNP's secretary for international affairs, told a press conference at the party's Nayapaltan headquarters in the capital.
He urged the Election Commission to keep army deployed for at least five days after the polls.  
"This will ensure an atmosphere for free and fair voting," he said.
Alluding to the recent attacks on BNP chief Khaleda Zia's motorcade, he alleged that the government was trying to get engaged in "dirty politics" ahead of the city polls.
"Whenever BNP chief Khaleda Zia is going out, she is being attacked. The attackers have been photographed [Karwan Bazar incident] by the media. They should be brought to justice," he said.
"Violence is increasing day by day centering about the city polls. That is why we need deployment of army at all polling stations to ensure unhindered voting."
Ripon also urged the government to stay away from "dirty politics" and practice "good politics", and requested the ruling party men not to make provocative comments to instigate clashes.