BNP contestants were being intimidated: Ishraque

BNP’s mayoral candidate Ishraque Hossain today filed a written complaint with returning officer alleging that his supporters and councillor contestants were being threatened to stay aside from the electoral race.

Ishraque, a mayoral candidate for Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) election, also sought all-out cooperation from the Election Commission to hold the election in a free and fair manner.

Tajuddin Ahmed, a ward councillor candidate in the DSCC was arrested recently in connection with an old case filed against him over torching vehicle during BNP’s anti-government movement in 2015, Ishraque said.

“Taijul was arrested in the face of intimidation from the ruling quarter,” Ishraque, son of late Sadeque Hossain Khoka who was mayor of the undivided Dhaka city, stated in his complaint.

On receipt of the allegations, Returning Officer Abdul Baten, said they would take necessary steps after an investigation into the allegations and will talk to police if necessary.

Besides, BNP’s mayoral candidate for Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) election Tabith Awal also lodged a written complaint with returning officer bringing the allegation of breaching electoral code of conduct against his rival Awami League-backed mayoral candidate Atiqul Islam.

In the complaint, Tabith stated that Atiqul took part in an election campaign in Gulshan-1 area using loudspeakers and setting up a stage at Gulshan Park from 8:00am to 9:00am today which is a clear violation of the City Corporation (Election Code of Conduct) Rules 2016.  

Demanding exemplary punishment of Atiqul for breaching the electoral code of conduct, Tabith also placed some documents including photographs in supporting his allegation.

According to the code of conduct, none will be allowed to carry out formal campaigning before allotment of the electoral symbols.

Contacted, RO Abul Kashem said he received the written complaint and assured that he would go for actions in line with code of conduct after investigation.

Tabith, in the allegation, also called upon the Election Commission to ensure a level playing filed for all candidates in the election.