BNP doubts new CEC's neutrality

The new chief election commissioner is even more loyal to the Awami League than his predecessor Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad, the BNP has alleged. 

"The people of the country have no confidence in him [new CEC KM Nurul Huda] that he would be able to hold the next general election in a free, fair and credible manner. His statements after getting appointed as the chief election commissioner has made it clear that he is a committed Awami Leaguer,” said BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Rizvi Ahmed.

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Addressing a press conference at BNP's Nayapaltan central office yesterday, the BNP leader said, “The next general election would be voter-less and one-sided if it is held under him [Nurul Huda]. The polls would lead to the continuation of misrule of the Awami League government."  

"Therefore, the nation will welcome him if he resigns from the constitutional post,” Rizvi said.

Blasting the new CEC, he said his speeches are like that of an "AL spokesperson".

"The new CEC has said the polls to the national parliament should be held with an elected government in power. It's natural that the new CEC, who was an organiser of Janatar Mancha, has spoken and will speak like an Awami League spokesperson," Rizvi noted.   

About the immediate past CEC, Rakibuddin, the BNP leader said, "He has proved through his work that he is very loyal to Awami League, not to the constitutional post. Because he said those who took part in the Jan 5, 2014, elections believe in democracy."

He also alleged that the new CEC already reacted to the BNP's criticism of him, saying that it was only a political strategy of the party.

The new CEC refuted the allegation of his involvement with Janatar Mancha, a platform which was against the then BNP government in 1996.