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DHAKA, Aug 18, 2025 (BSS) - Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Standing Committee member Ruhul Kabir Rizvi today said that a free and fair national election cannot be ensured under Awami League aligned administration and polling system.
"A fair election will not be possible with the current Awami-era administration or Awami-friendly polling agents. The Election Commission must appoint neutral officials at the field level to ensure fairness," he said.
Rizvi made these remarks while addressing reporters after paying homage at the grave of BNP founder and former President Ziaur Rahman in the capital's Sher-e-Bangla Nagar this morning.
The programme was arranged by the newly formed Nilphamari district unit of BNP.
Rizvi, also the party's senior joint secretary general, demanded the removal of "Awami-friendly cadres" from the election apparatus to restore neutrality.
Referring to the proposed proportional representation (PR) system of elections, he said the people of Bangladesh are not ready for such a system and expressed doubt about the motives behind its advocacy.
Highlighting widespread repression of BNP leaders and activists during Sheikh Hasina's tenure, Rizvi alleged that many spent years in jail on false charges.
"Speaking out against Sheikh Hasina meant facing fabricated cases and imprisonment. During her 16-year rule, BNP activists spent most of their time either being harassed or behind bars. You all know there was an influential minister from Nilphamari who applied a steamroller approach against BNP leaders and workers," he added.
On the upcoming Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) elections, Rizvi voiced hope that participation of all political streams would contribute to restoring a healthy academic atmosphere.
"If all views are represented, a fair environment for education can be ensured," he said in reply to a question.
BNP Assistant Organizing Secretary Abdul Khalek along with several leaders and activists from Nilphamari district unit were present at the event.
