Dhaka: Accusing the current Election Commission (EC) of helping the government implement its ‘evil designs, BNP on Monday warned that the members of the commission must face trial someday when a people’s government is installed.

Speaking at a discussion, BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir also renewed his party’s demand for the EC reconstitution taking opinions of political parties and other stakeholders.

‘There’s hardly anyone in the country who’ll say the current Election Commission has done a good job. They’ve not only failed to do their jobs, but also helped the government implement its blueprints,’ he said.

The BNP secretary general further said, ‘They (current EC members) should be tried. They must be tried when a pro-people government comes to power.’

Afsar Ahmed Smrity Foundation arranged the programme at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity, marking the 15th death anniversary of late BNP vice-chairman Afsar Ahmed Siddique.

Fakhrul said their party wants the EC to be formed with impartial people who can work independently and neutrally. ‘We want a Commission which will carry out its constitutional duty properly ignoring any party’s or person’s orders.’

The tenure of the current Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad-led Election Commission will expire in February next.

Law Minister Anisul Huq last month hinted that a search committee will be formed to constitute the new Election Commission.

Mentioning that the government has formed a spineless EC, led by Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad, through a search committee, Fakhrul said the next Commission will have to be formed in consultation with the political parties and all other concerned parties.

Otherwise, he warned, the country’s people will not accept again a spineless and subservient EC.