KHULNA: BNP’s mayoral candidate Nazrul Islam Manju suspended his campaign for Khulna City Corporation polls since Thursday morning protesting the arrest of 19 leaders and activists of the party.

He was addressing a press conference at 8:45pm at his residence on Mia Para road of the town.

Monju however started his election campaign on Wednesday morning and continued till night. 

On Wednesday night, 19 leaders and activists of BNP, including its city unit publicity affairs secretary Asaduzzaman Murad, Jubo Dal president Mahbub Hossain, district unit president Mostafaul Bari Lavlu and district unit Jatiyatabadi Chhatral Dal general secretary Golam Mostafa Tuhin were arrested from different parts of the city. 

Manju also warned that he will not resume his election campaign until the detainees are freed.

He alleged that the government was trying to keep BNP leaders and activists away from election campaign though the raids and arrests.

The BNP mayoral candidate also claimed that Awami League men are violating the election code of conduct but the Election Commission does not pay heed to his allegation in this regard.

Manju also demanded that the government should create a level-playing field by stopping harassment to his party people.

Khulna City Corporation poll is slated to be held on May 15. 

BDST: 1152 HRS, May 3, 2018
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