The ruling Awami League has alleged the Election Commission is being partial to its arch rival, the BNP ahead of the 11th Parliamentary Election.
“They are constantly complaining to the EC that we are violating the electoral code of conduct,” it’s Publicity and Publication Affairs Secretary Hasan Mahmud told the media on Saturday (Nov 24).
Slamming the Commission on acting BNP chief screening prospective candidates, he said, “My personal view is, the Election Commission has been partial to BNP by allowing Tarique Rahman to interview nomination seekers.”
Tarique has taken part in the process of interviewing aspirants from London through video conferencing.
The Awami League formally complained to the Commission, which said it ‘cannot do anything’ about the BNP allowing the participation of Tarique, who is living as a fugitive since being convicted and sentenced to prison.
It said that the election code of conduct does not apply as he is currently outside Bangladesh.
Mahmud said that it’s all over the media that if Oikya Front wins, Tarique Rahman will take the prime minister’s office while Dr Kamal will be president.

“They want a corrupt, hated politician such as Tarique Rahman who was behind the Aug 21 grenade attack to take the prime minister’s office,” Mahmud lashed out.

Tarique Rahman interviewing possible candidates, finalizing the list and calling the shots goes on to show that it is him who is leading Dr Kamal and not the other way round, he said.

Terming the Dec 30 polls as crucial, Mahmud said, “Moudud Ahmed claims that Awami League wants to step away from the polls. Truth is, this is his is his way of saying that it is BNP who want to run away.”

“BNP knows full well that the election field is not in their favour but I would like to request them to not run away,” he said.