Dhaka: Protesting Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad’s remark that the third phase of Union Council (UP) election was fairer than the previous ones, Bangladesh Nationalist Party on Sunday said the Commission is making mockery with the nation.  

‘The media have aired and published what actually happened in the third phase of UC polls. We’ve also got information about irregularities from fields. Despite knowing the real election scenario, the CEC has said the election was fairer and peaceful,’ said BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.

He further said, ‘In fact, the Election Commission is making mockery with people in the name of voting. He (CEC) has no intention to hold a free and fair election. He is doing only what necessary to protect his job. His comment has also demonstrated it.’

Rizvi came up with the remarks while speaking at a press briefing at BNP’s Nayapaltan central office.

Earlier on Saturday, Rakibuddin Ahmad at a post-election briefing at the Election Commission Secretariat said, ‘The third phase election to 614 UCs was held today (Saturday) amid peaceful environment and enthusiasm among the voters. Several stray incidents took place this time as well, but the number of incidents was fewer than that of the previous phases.’

Rizvi said the Election Commission is assisting the government in destroying and stampeding voting and election systems, and thus democracy.

The BNP leader said despite holding the highest post of the Election Commission, the CEC has deviated from his educational and professional ethics.

Describing the CEC and his deputies as ‘shameless’, he said they are not quitting from their posts shouldering their failure to hold fair polls as they have no sense of shame. ‘Their job is only their big concern, while election and accountability to people matter little to them.’

Replying to a question whether BNP will stay in the remaining phases of the UC polls, Rizvi said still their party’s decision is to stay in the race.