Dhaka: Bangladesh Nationalist Party on Monday termed ruling party’s obstructions to its chairperson’s electioneering in Uttara area unwarranted, motivated and provocative, and said these ‘evil’ acts are making the political and election atmosphere volatile.

Addressing a press briefing at the party’s Nayapaltan central office, BNP international affairs secretary Asaduzzaman Ripon also accused Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of inflaming the polls environment by making ‘unguarded remarks’ about the opposition-backed city polls candidates.

‘The ruling party men demonstrate indecorous attitude towards BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia by showing her black flags during her electioneering in Uttra area. They also blocked her motorcade and obstructed her movement,’ he said.

Ripon continued, ‘We think, these evil efforts are unbecoming, motivated and provocative. The government is making the election and political environment unstable with these activities.’

Earlier on Sunday, ruling party activists staged demonstrations carrying black flags when BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia went to Uttra area to conduct electioneering in favour of her party-backed mayoral candidate for Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Tabith Awal.

Khaleda faced obstructions by Awami League activists at different points of Uttra, forcing her to return from there changing her campaign plan.

Referring to prime minister’s remarks that Khaleda is seeking vote for ‘Bus’ symbol after torching many buses, Ripon urged the Election Commission (EC) to examine whether the PM violated the election code of conduct with her such remarks.

The BNP leader also accused some other ministers of spoiling the polls environment by their imprudent remarks. ‘We want peace and effective political understanding. But the prime minister and her cabinet colleagues are destroying the election atmosphere with reckless remarks over the polls.’

He urged the EC to look into the matter and ensure a healthy election atmosphere.

Ripon alleged that a day after obstruction to the BNP chief’s motorcade, the government withdrew her police protocol from her Gulshan residence on Monday morning.

He said though Khaleda Zia is not holding any important post of the state, the government should ensure her security as a chief of the court’s major party and a high profile politician.