Legal notice served to Ctg DC for seeking prayers, votes for AL candidate in Zila Parishad elections

A legal notice has been sent requesting to take legal action within 24 hours against Chattogram Zila Parishad Election Returning Officer who is also the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Chattogram Mohammad Mominur Rahman for violating electoral code of conduct.

Supreme Court lawyer M Mahbubur Rahman Khan sent the legal notice to chief election commissioner, establishment secretary, election commission secretary, chattogram divisional commissioner, and to the DC today (September 17, 2022), reports our Chattogram staff correspondent quoting the lawyer.

The lawyer in his notice highlighted the news published on the online portal titled, "Prayer and speech of returning officer seeking victory of Awami League candidate".

According to the notice, in the speech the returning officer sought votes for a political party and requested others to pray for that political party. He should have had a neutral role as deputy commissioner and Chattogram Zila Parishad election returning officer.

A notice recipient (DC) wishing victory to a rival candidate at a prayer ceremony has created apprehension and doubt among other candidates about his role in the Zila Parishad elections to be held on October 17.

The legal notice states that the statements made by the notice holder (DC) as a returning officer created the possibility of influence in favour of a political party candidate. It is also said that all the voters and rival candidates are suffering from lack of confidence in this situation. The activities of notice recipients are likely to influence election results.

It is alleged in the notice that despite the violation of Rules 79, 80, and 81 of Zila Parishad Election Rules 2016 through the returning officer (DC), the other notice takers are playing a completely passive role, which is a clear violation of their duties and responsibilities.

At the end of the notice, it is said that the notice giver will be forced to go for legal action if no action is taken against the DC within 24 hours of receiving the notice.

Contacted, lawyer Mahbubur who is also joint general secretary of Supreme Court Bar Association, said he sent the legal notice as the DC, as a returning officer of Chattogram Zila Parishad Elections, violated the elections rules speaking for the victory of the ruling party nominated candidate.

He said other candidates would feel insecure in the polls due to the DC's action.

It is to be noted that DC Mominur has sought prayers from everyone for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to come back to power at a harmony meeting held on Thursday at his conference room.

BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami should pray for this, he said. He also prayed for the victory of the Awami League-nominated chairman candidate ATM Payrul in Chattogram Zila Parishad elections.

Contacted, DC Mominur claimed that his speech was being twisted to create propaganda.

"As an employee of the state, I know what to say and what not to say. I didn't say anything about the election," he added.