In a blatant violation of the electoral code of conduct, the streets and adjacent walls of Rajshahi were inundated with plastic-laminated posters, seeking votes for the boat symbol, just hours before the distribution of election symbols for the upcoming Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) elections. This move has drawn severe criticism, considering the High Court's ban on such posters during the elections of Dhaka North and South City Corporations back in January 2020, due to concerns expressed by environmentalists.

AHM Khairuzzaman Liton, the incumbent mayor of Rajshahi and the Awami League nominated candidate seeking a fourth term in office, is at the centre of this controversy. Liton, also a presidium member of the Awami League, previously advocated creating a green city. However, the sight of plastic-laminated posters endorsing his candidacy has sparked widespread condemnation.

The distribution of electoral symbols began yesterday at the Rajshahi Shilpakola Academy auditorium, with the returning officer Delwar Hossain leading the proceedings. The symbols were first distributed among the candidates for reserved seats for women, followed by the mayor candidates between 11:30am and 12:00pm. Councillor candidates continued receiving their symbols until 5:00pm. Surprisingly, the polythene-laminated posters were visible in the city since the early hours of the day, raising questions about the negligence of those responsible.

When questioned about the posters, Liton claimed ignorance, stating that "enthusiastic party workers" might have hung them. He further justified the use of plastic lamination, arguing that the posters would not withstand the rains unless adequately covered.

Liton and several councillor candidates have been engaging with the electorate since the announcement of the election schedule in April. Holding over 70 meetings with various groups, including traders, businessmen, professionals, cultural activists, and students, Liton has listened to the concerns of city dwellers and made promises of improving infrastructure, creating jobs, and delivering better services if reelected.

Amidst the symbol distribution ceremony, candidates from different parties, accompanied by supporters, took to the streets, conducting processions and using loudspeakers for their campaigns. The city's thoroughfares echoed with slogans from supporters of mayoral and councillor candidates.

Responding to the events, Saiful Islam, a candidate from Jatiya Party, expressed his commitment to adhering to the election rules, stating, "We don't want to say that some candidates are violating the election rules. Certainly, we will not."

However, Murshid Alam, the candidate from Islami Andolan Bangladesh, acknowledged falling behind in his campaign, as some candidates had commenced campaigning before receiving their symbols. Despite this, no formal complaint has been filed with the election commission regarding these violations.

Returning Officer Delwar Hossain said magistrates were appointed to investigate any violations of the electoral code of conduct, including the hanging of polythene-laminated posters. He assured that appropriate actions would be taken after the investigations.

The RCC polls, scheduled for June 21, will see a total of 162 candidates vying for various positions. Four candidates are contesting for the mayor post, while 46 candidates are competing for the 10 reserved seats for women, and 112 candidates are running for councillor posts across 30 wards.