Shamim Osman 'threatens police'

Ruling Awami League MP Shamim Osman, whose brother is contesting the Narayanganj-5 by-poll, has allegedly threatened a police official in the district.

Narayanganj ASP (Traffic) Bashir Uddin claimed the parliamentarian had threatened him over phone during voting at the Keodala Govt Primary School polling centre on Thursday.

He said former Union Parishad chairman Abdus Salam and his supporters tried to cast fake votes for Jatiya Party candidate Selim Osman at the centre.

They got into a row with police when stopped and called MP Shamim over phone.

"Shamim Osman then called me over phone and asked me to let his supporters cast 60 to 70 percent votes," Bashir Uddin claimed.

"He verbally abused and threatened me when I refused to oblige," he claimed, adding the district police control room had been informed.

Independent candidate SM Akram has raised allegations of rigging but the elder Osman brother has rejected the allegation.

"I will gracefully accept the result irrespective of its outcome," Osman said.

When approached, Narayanganj Superintendent of Police Khandkar Mohid Uddin said he was unaware of the ruling party MP threatening ASP Bashir.

The Awami League MP in question could not be reached over phone.

Meanwhile, Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad said they would look into the police allegation.

"The electoral inquiry committee will investigate the matter," he said in Dhaka.

"Actions will be taken as per the investigation," said the CEC.