NNC election will not be free and fair: Noman

  Dhaka, Oct 25 (bdnews24.com) ? BNP has expressed its fear that the Narayanganj City Corporation election will not be free and fair.

"The present election commission is biased. No election can be free and fair under its management," said BNP vice-president Abdullah Al Noman at a press briefing on Tuesday.

A total of six aspirants are contesting for the mayoral post on the vote, scheduled to be held on Oct 30.

The six candidates are ruling Awami League members, Shamim Osman and Selina Hayat Ivy, with 'wall clock' and 'pen-inkpot' symbols, respectively, BNP's Taimur Alam Khandokar with 'pineapple', Islami Andolan leader Atikur Rahman Nannu Munsi with 'bullock cart', and independent candidates Sharif Mohammad with 'duck' and Atikul Islam Jibon with 'padlock'.

On Tuesday, BNP held a meeting at its New Paltan office with Abdullah Al Noman in the chair. He briefed journalists just after the meeting.

While expressing his fear about the free and fair election, he told the journalists, "It's a local government election. We have a nominated candidate who is contesting there and central committee leaders of the party are working there for him for last few days."

Asked about the electronic voting system (EVM), Noman said, "Whatever the election commission says, we have tested that election result using the EVM can be changed. Huge forgery is possible using these machines. So, we asked the election commission not to use EVM in the national election."

Commenting on the price fall in the stock market, he said, "The government could not protect the fall in the stock market though the Bangladesh Bankers Association (BAB) promised to inject Tk 50 billion. A special class is trying to profit by raising prices. So, we think these additional funds will not be able to protect the continuous fall."

"Steps should be taken against these circles. But the government can't take any steps. So, general people and businessmen have no confidence in this government," he added.

City BNP member secretary Abdus Salam and a freedom fighter also briefed the journalists. He said, "I was called by the war crime tribunal for some information. They asked me about my activities during the liberation war, when I attended the war, in which place and whether I knew Nizami, Muzahid or not. I did not give any statement about anybody. Just answered some questions asked by tribunal officers."

After discussion with the party chief and lawyers, Salam went to the tribunal court along with two of his lawyers on Oct 17, he added.

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Source: bdnews24.com

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