Dhaka: Accusing the ruling party men of driving out their mayoral candidate’s polling agents from different centres, BNP on Thursday voiced strong doubt about neutral election in Rangpur City Corporation.

Speaking at a press briefing at the party’s Nayapaltan central office, BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi also alleged that its mayoral candidate Kausar Zaman Babla is being obstructed from visiting polling stations as the Election Commission is playing an ‘inactive’ role.

‘The ruling party cadres forced out the polling agents of the sheaf of paddy from a number of centers soon after the start of voting. The voters are intimidated so that they don’t go to polling stations. We’ve received the information from our candidate and local leaders,’ he said.

Under the circumstances, the BNP leader said, ‘We’re in serious doubt whether the Rangpur City Corporation polls will be held in an impartial manner.’

He said the ruling party men spread fear among the supporters of the BNP candidate by visiting their houses before the start of voting.

Besides, Rizvi said, a local BNP leader, Shohidul, was arrested in the early hours on Thursday.

He alleged that the Election Commission is playing a mysterious role in the polls. ‘They don’t take any action even after lodging of complaint with them. In fact, the EC is working relentlessly to appease the Awami League-led grand alliance.’

The voting at 193 polling stations of the Rangpur City Corporation began at 8pm and will continue until 4pm without any break.

Outgoing mayor Sarfuddin Ahmed is contesting the election to retain his mayoral position with Awami League ticket while KausarZaman Babla and Mostafizur Rahman Mostaf with BNP and Jatiya Party tickets respectively.

Rizvi opposed the use of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) at some polling stations in the polls. ‘The Commission has done it only to make the ruling party happy.’

He also alleged that Prime Minister’s special envoy and State Minister for LGRD Moshiur Rahman Ranga have been influencing the election staying in the Rangpur city for the last few days.