Dhaka: BNP has formed a central election steering committee, headed by its vice chairman Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, to monitor the election to Rangpur City Corporation billed for December 21.

BNP’s Rangpur divisional organising secretary Asadul Habib Dulu has been made member secretary of the committee.

Party senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi came up with the announcement of the committee at a press conference at BNP’s Nayapaltan central office.

The other members of the committee are party’s Rangpur divisional assistant organising secretaries Shamsuzzaman and Jahangir Alam, ex-JCD leader Abdul Khaleque and the presidents of its Rangpur city, district, Dinajpur, Panchagarh Gaibandha, Thakurgaon, Kurigram, and Nilphamari district and Syedpur upzila units.

Rizvi alleged that the Election Commission (EC) has so far failed to create a congenial atmosphere to hold a credible election in Rangpur city.

He said the ruling party mayoral candidate and his supporters are repeatedly violating the election code of conduct. ‘But, the Commission has only fined Awami League candidate Tk 5,000 instead of taking stern action against him for violating the election code of conduct.’

The BNP leader said the ruling party men are creating an appalling situation and intimidating voters ahead of the polls.

Rizvi said a question has arisen in voters’ minds whether the EC will be able to ensure a fair and neutral balloting on December 21.