The BNP has alleged that around 446 of its leaders and activists in nine upazilas of Khulna have been arrested since the polls schedule was announced on Nov 8.
The party’s Khulna unit chief SM Shafiqul Alam Mona alleged that as of Dec 23, 53 cases have been filed against the 446 leaders and activists.
Calling for the release of those leaders he added that Oikya Front candidates contesting the polls with BNP’s ‘paddy sheaf’ are being attacked and their supporters are being arrested indiscriminately during the polls campaign.
However, Khulna police Superintendent SM Shafillah denied the claims saying, “BNP’s allegations are not true. Since the schedule has been announced no political cases have been filed with us.”