DB Correspondent: Political observers on Saturday said the Election Commission (EC) must create the needed conductive atmosphere to enable all parties to carry out their campaigns for contesting the December 30 national elections.

They observed the prevailing atmosphere is not congenial to create equal opportunities or the 'level playing field' for all parties.

"I think the EC has failed to create the much-needed environment to enable all parities in view of the existence of parliament.  Ministers and MPs are excerpting their influence in every sphere of the administration affecting the election atmosphere," former Adviser to the Caretaker Government Hafiz Uddin Ahmed told the media.

He said arrest of opposition party leaders and nomination aspirants exacerbated the situation further and prevented opposition candidates to campaign freely.

Police arrested at least 1086 BNP men, including 13 BNP candidates and filed over 500 cases against the party leaders filed after declaration of the polls schedule, claimed BNP leaders.

Hafiz Uddin Ahmed further said that BNP have raised some specific allegations over misconduct of a group of public servants and police officials. It sought their removal to ensure a level playing field. "But the EC did not pay gridlock from Mohakhali intersection to Uttara.

For the last couple of days, anti-Saad group have taken a position on the Ijtema Maidan in Tongi, said the traffic inspector adding that the clash broke out on Saturday morning when the followers of Maulana Saad tried to enter the ground.

The supporters of Maulana Jubayer took position in front of the Ijtema field gate and another group obstructed them from entering the field, reports our Gazipur correspondent from the spot.

The follower of Maulana Saad started gathering in front of the maidan from 6 am on Saturday and took position in front of the main gate.
Meanwhile, additional police with armoured vehicles and water cannons have been deployed to avoid any untoward situation.

This conflict between the two factions was said to be the continuation of the trouble began in the last session of Biswa Ijtema, the annual event of Tabligh Jamaat and the largest Muslim congregation after the hajj.
The groups locked into another clash over the conflict at Dhaka's Kakrail Mosque, the headquarters of the religious group's Bangladesh chapter, in April last.