The BNP-led 20-party Alliance has called for the transfer of ‘biased’ deputy commissioners (DCs) and superintendents of police (SPs) ahead of the general election slated for Dec 30.
A delegation of the coalition led by Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Chairman Oli Ahmed met Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda on Sunday (Nov 25), when the submitted 13 demands, including the transfer of DCs and SPs.
DCs are in charge of the administration while the SPs act as the police chief of a district.
“We do not want controversial officials to be punished, but transferred for the sake of a free and fair election,” LDP chief Oli told the media after the meeting.
He alleged that lawmakers and ministers are using state facilities for their campaign despite the Commission’s instructions. “A free and fair election cannot be expected in this situation. The Commission has to take effective measures.”
A level playing field is yet to be ensured, said OIi before adding: “The arrest of BNP activists on false charges continues across the country. These cases do not name any suspects and the police will show BNP activists, who were supposed to work as polling agents, arrested in these cases.”
Responding to a query, the LDP leader said that the EC is yet to prove that it’s working impartially. “We understand they have limitations. But for the first time, the Commission has agreed with the 13 demands we have submitted today.”
The demands include measures to stop sweeping arrest of opposition activists, stop MPs and ministers from using state facilities for campaign, bringing state broadcasters — BTV and Bangladesh Betar under EC’s control during elections and guideline for media outlets to ensure neutrality, empowering army the same law enforcing authority as police.