Dhaka: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) backed mayoral candidates will win 80 percent of the 235 posts in the 30 December elections if the voters can cast their votes properly, says BNP senior leader Gayeshwar Chandra Roy.

‘We've joined this election as part of our movement to restore democracy in the country. So, all the followers of BNP will get united and take part in this movement together with people,’ he said while talking to reporters after placing wreaths at BNP founder Ziaur Rahman's grave with leaders and activists of Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddher Prajonma, marking its 19th founding anniversary, reports UNB.

Gayeshwar, a BNP standing committee member, further said, ‘You all know what will be the results of the municipal polls. We hope 80 percent of the election results will go in our favour if people can properly exercise their franchise. It may also go nil for us if people can't cast their votes.’

Another BNP standing committee member Abdul Moyeen Khan was also present.

Talking to reporters, Moyeen khan said, they have participated in the polls despite knowing that the current Election Commission cannot do anything without the government's instruction. ‘If the EC can't work independently, it won't be possible to hold a meaningful election in the country ever. ‘We saw this Commission in the past protecting the interests of a particular party at the behest of the government.’

He demanded the government form an independent and neutral Election Commission so that fair and neutral elections can be held in the country as per the hopes and aspirations of people and democracy can be consolidated.

Gayeshwar urged the government to stop the arrest of BNP leaders and activists across the country and thus ensure a fair election.