BNP blames EC for UP violence, killings

BNP yesterday blamed the Election Commission for the killings and violence during the Union Parishad election's first phase on Tuesday, demanding that the chief election commissioner (CEC) and his deputies resign on accepting that they failed to do their duty.

BNP Joint Secretary General Rizvi Ahmed claimed that at least 22 people were killed including three candidates, in firings by police, Rapid Action Battalion and Border Guard Bangladesh, ruling party cadres' attacks and pre and post-polls violence from the schedules announcement to March 22.

"Had the Election Commission (EC) taken proper steps using its power, the lives would not have been lost," he told a press briefing at the party's central office in the capital.

"The Election Commission has turned into an aimless derailed institution. The killing of a huge number of people, violence and maiming of many others does not rattle their conscience as they are only concerned about protecting their jobs," he said.

Rizvi said the CEC claimed before the polls that the EC was not getting cooperation desired from the administration and police would be held responsible if violence occurred.

"The same person again said the election was fair."