It was quite a surprise for everyone when TV channels yesterday broke the news that Gazipur city polls had been stayed for three months.

Just 10 days before the voting day, the High Court yesterday stayed the Gazipur City Corporation election for three months with the Election Commission entirely in the dark about the development.

BNP blames the Election Commission for its utter failures in creating level-playing field in Gazipur and Khulna city corporation elections scheduled to be held on May 15.

The ruling Awami League and its arch-rival BNP have taken the Khulna and Gazipur city polls seriously as it will be a crucial test of their popularity ahead of the next national election slated for December.

BNP meets the chief election commissioner and requests for deployment of the military in the city corporation elections to Khulna and Gazipur to ensure free and fair polls.