The BNP has demanded deployment of army with magistracy power from Wednesday during the elections to Dhaka and Chittagong city corporations.

It also proposed the Election Commission to think about the deployment till five days after the elections.

BNP’s international affairs secretary Dr Asaduzzaman Ripon came up with the demand at a press conference held at the party’s Naya Paltan central office on Wednesday afternoon.

“People trust army. The prevailing panicky situation is likely to become normal if army with magistracy power be deployed,” said Ripon.
He blamed the government for resorting to attack and vandalism in fear of defeat of their candidates.

Demanding a level-playing field, Ripon said, “Equal opportunity for campaign can make an election fair and acceptable.”
He also thanked the Election Commission for taking decision on army deployment for at least four days.

The BNP leader also criticized the Prime Minister for terming ‘drama’ the attack on Khaleda Zia’s motorcade. “ The PM should have extended her sympathy after the incident and taken action against the perpetrators. Rather she termed it as drama which is unacceptable.”

LY