DHAKA: BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi alleged that BNP leaders and activists are being arrested in different wards of Gazipur ahead of city election.

The arbitrary detention started a day after the coordination meeting of Chief Election Commissioner with the mayoral candidates, he said. 

The BNP leader made the allegation in a press briefing held at its party office in city’s Nayapaltan area on Thursday (June 21). 

Rizvi said, “Convener of Kashimpur Election Management Committee and BNP union president Shawkat Hossain Sarkar was arrested. Moreover, Kashimpur unit election management committee member secretary Shahin, member Shajahan Dealar, convener of the election committee of Konabari election center Dr Milon, member secretary of the election committee of Konbari election center Milon Mia and Konbari election center member Saiful Islam were arrested by Detective Branch of police.”

Besides, police launched raids in houses of other BNP leaders. Many were tortured in remand and then they were hospitalized in critical conditions, he said.

The GCC election was scheduled to be held on May 15 before a stay on it by the High Court.

Later, the Appellate Division reviewed the High Court order and asked the Election Commission to hold the Gazipur City Corporation (GCC) Election within June 28.

The EC then fixed June 26 for holding the election.

BDST: 1743 HRS, JUN 21, 2018

AH/AP/SMS