Dhaka: Bangladesh Nationalist Party on Saturday accused the government of not allowing the party-blessed mayoral and councillor candidates of Dhaka city corporation elections to smoothly carry out their electioneering.

‘We want an equal chance to smoothly carry out the electioneering. We want a level-playing field so that all the candidates get the equal opportunity,’ said BNP international affairs secretary Asaduzzaman Ripon.

He continued, ‘The prime minister has said all the voters will be able to vote for the candidates of their choice. We want keep that confidence in her and the reflection of her words on actions.’

Ripon, who is a mayoral candidate for Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) alongside BNP-backed contestant Mirza Abbas, came up with the allegation at a press briefing at BNP’s Nayapaltan central office.

It was the first briefing of the party at its central office since BNP’s Nayapaltan office was reopened on 4 April, after three months of closure.

Ripon claimed that all the cases filed against Mirza Abbas are billable. ‘But, he is not given bails. The BNP-backed councillor candidates are also being harassed.’  

He feared that if the current situation prevails on the election day the female voters may not go to the polling centres.

The BNP leader called upon the government and the Election Commission to take all the necessary steps to ensure a free, fair and acceptable election.

He demanded the government release the opposition leaders and activists so that they can join the election.

Ripon also called upon the government to trace missing BNP men, including party joint secretary general Salahuddin Ahmed.