BNP-nominated mayoral candidate for Khulna city polls Nazrul Islam Manju has decided to suspend his electoral campaign, protesting the arrests of party leaders and activists.
“At least 19 supporters engaged in the election campaign have been arrested from parts of the city in an overnight operation,” Manju said in an instant media briefing early Thursday in his residence in the city.
Earlier, Manju had submitted a memorandum to the returning officer with a nine-point demand, including transferring police personnel and army deployment.
“But my demand has gone unheard,” said Mizan, president of Khulna Metropolitan’s BNP unit. He said a fair election is not possible in these circumstances.
On April 30, reports bdnews24, BNP Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi also alleged that the party leaders were arrested randomly to intimidate the voters ahead of Gazipur and Khulna city polls.
On the other hand, the Awami League leaders said they are not responsible if the BNP leaders discontinue their election campaign.