Shamim Osman violated electoral conduct: probe body

An enquiry committee has accused ruling MP Shamim Osman and three others of breaching the electoral code of conduct during the Narayanganj-5 by-poll.

It, however, suggested that the Election Commission further investigate the matter to 'be certain'.

The head of the electoral probe committee sent its report to the EC secretary earlier this week.

The EC officials say they are yet to discuss the issue.

"We have got the report by the electoral probe committee and it would be raised at the Commission meeting soon," said the EC's Senior Assistant Secretary (legal wing) Mosharraf Hossain told bdnews24.com.

The report, signed by Narayanganj's Joint District Judge Habiba Mandal, who headed the investigation, and member Assistant Judge Muhammad Majharul Islam, also accused three others of violating the code.

They are Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Md Bashir Uddin, RAB-11 official Major Sohel and Madanpur UP chairman Abdus Salam.

Osman's elder brother, Jatiya Party leader Nasim Osman was elected MP from Narayanganj-5 after the Jan 5 general election..

The seat fell vacant after his death on Apr 30. Jatiya Party nominated their other brother, Selim Osman to contest in the Jun 26 by-poll, which he won.

According to media reports, Shamim Osman had 'threatened' ASP Bashir Uddin over phone on Jun 26.

The chief election commissioner told reporters the same day that they would open an enquiry into the matter.

The investigative panel reviewed statements of local people and relevant people, media reports as well as the call list of ASP Bashir Uddin's phone.

"Preliminary investigations suggest that the incident happened. But further investigation is needed to be sure about the accused," reads the report.