Narayanganj: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Tuesday demanded the deployment of army in Narayanganj City Corporation (NCC) polls for ensuring fair balloting.

“We want army to be deployed for fair polls in Narayanganj. Narayanganj is known as a city of godfathers. So, army should be deployed and worked as a striking force there to ensure free, fair and neutral elections,” said BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.

He came up with the demand while speaking at a discussion at National Press Club arranged by Swadhinata Forum, a pro-BNP platform, marking BNP senior vice chairman Tarique Rahman’s 52nd birthday.

Rizvi said the people of Narayanganj will cast their votes for the candidate of their choice, not for any godfather, if a congenial atmosphere is ensured. “So, we strongly demand the deployment of army for the sake of a transparent and credible election.”

He also urged the people of Narayanganj to work for the BNP-nominated candidate irrespective of their political affiliation and opinions.

According to the schedule announced by the Election Commission, the NCC will go to polls on December 22.

Earlier in the day, Rizvi at a press briefing announced Advocate Shakhawat Hossain Khan as the BNP candidate to contest the NCC polls against the main rival contestant and incumbent NCC mayor Selina Hayat Ivy who got Awami League’s nomination.

About the reported growing repression on Rohingya people in Myanmar’s Rakhine state, Rizvi said genocide is taking place in Myanmar with the killing Rohingya people. “We denounce the nonstop repression on the Rohingya community.” 

He criticised Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for what he said not raising her voice against the violence against minority Rohingya people.

“The UN has urged the neighbouring countries to open their borders for those Rohingya people want trespass for security reason. You aren’t responding to it. As the Prime Minister, it was your duty to give security to those who want to flee to save their lives.”

Despite being the Prime Minister of a Muslim majority country, the BNP leader, said Sheikh Hasina is least bothered about the inhuman torture and brutal killings of Muslim people in a neighbouring country. “We strongly condemn your government such inactive role.”