The Election Commission has sent an official of joint secretary rank to Khulna to “assist” the returning officer, who is said to be a former leader of Chhatra Dal, during the upcoming city corporation polls.

The decision came after an Awami League delegation, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Political Advisor H T Imam, met the Chief Election Commissioner and alleged that the returning officer of Khulna City Corporation (KCC) was a biased person and urged the EC to send a joint secretary to oversee the activities of the official.

Imam, also the co-chairman of AL National Election Steering Committee, told CEC KM Nurul Huda during the meeting at the Nirbachon Bhaban that he had no confidence in Yunus Ali, deputy-secretary ranked returning officer of KCC, an official present at the meeting told The Daily Star.

The AL delegation also submitted documents stating that Yunus was the general secretary of Mohsin Hall unit of the pro-BNP student body in Dhaka University.

“His past is very dark, he had been a cadre of a political party which is evident in his behaviour and activities,” Imam was quoted as saying by the official, who requested anonymity.

The AL delegation, however, requested the EC not to replace the returning officer for the polls set to be held on May 15, fearing that such an action would give a negative message.

They rather told the EC to send a joint secretary level officer there to monitor the activities of Yunus.

AL leaders Rashidul Alam, Mahbubul Alam Hanif, Abdus Sobhan Golap and Abm Reazul Kabir Kawsar were also present at the meeting.

After the meeting, EC Secretary Helal Uddin Ahmed told reporters that an official of joint secretary rank was sent to Khulna.

“Yunus Ali has become the returning officer for the first time. He may not manage all the things properly and he has some limitations. EC joint secretary will assist him as per law,” Helal said.

He added that the AL delegation informed the EC that criminals were polluting the electoral environment in Khulna and demanded steps to be taken in this regard.

Five mayor candidates and 186 councillor candidates are competing in the KCC polls.

Imam alleged that a level-playing field was not established as ruling party leaders could not conduct election campaigns the way other party leaders did, meeting sources said.

He also demanded amendment to the law to resolve the matter.

The AL delegation suggested that the commission ensured the presiding and assistant presiding officers were impartial during the polls.