Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Monday alleged that Awami League leaders are trying to make President Abdul Hamid controversial over formation of the Election Commission (EC) as they know they cannot return to power through fair polls.

‘We thank the President as he yesterday (Sunday) told the parliament that I want to see democracy is progressing ahead with all. We’re also repeatedly saying it. We want to see inclusive democracy, election and politics so that all can participate in it. Unfortunately, the party has now been in power by force doesn’t want it’, said BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.

Speaking at a discussion, he further said, ‘They (AL) know it very well they won’t be able to return to power through a free and fair election. So, they now want to create controversies. Even they’re trying to make the President controversial. It’s painful when their top leaders make baseless and unguarded remarks.’

Jatiyatabadi Ainjibi Forum, a pro-BNP lawyer’s platform, arranged the discussion, marking BNP founder Ziaur Rahman’s 81st birth anniversary.     

On Sunday last, Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader at a programme in the city said: ‘You (Khaleda) have proposed the name of ex-chief justice KM Hasan whom you wanted to make your chief adviser, to include in the search committee. Was not KM Hasan the international affairs adviser of BNP? Then who is neutral?’

Reacting to his comment, Fakhrul on Sunday termed Quader’s comment baseless and demanded withdrawal of it. He also questioned whether Awami League has any secret link with the President so that the search committee is formed in discussion with it.

Apparently replying to Fakhrul’s comment, senior AL leader and Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed on Monday said Quader needs not to go to the President to know whose names BNP proposed to include in the search committee as there are many BNP leaders to disclose it.