Dhaka, Jan 10 (bdnews24.com) — Terming the allegations of election code violation against him 'false', ruling party whip Sheikh Abdul Wahab has submitted his explanation to the Election Commission.
He handed over his written clarifications to deputy secretary of the EC secretariat Syed Khurshid Anwar around 5pm on Monday, the MP from Jessore-6 conformed bdnews24.com.
"I've submitted my reply to the Election Commission. I didn't violate any election code. The allegations are false."
Wahab also claimed he was aware of the election code of conduct.
The commission had sent a letter to Wahab on Saturday upon allegations of distributing allowances among freedom fighters, making harsh comments against rival candidates and using a government rest house violating the code of conduct.
It asked the whip to explain the allegations within five days.
A mayor aspirant of Keshabpur municipality lodged the complaints against the whip with the commission.
Asked about details of the explanation, Wahab said he went to Keshabpur since it is his constituency, "but I didn't take any protocol nor I inaugurate any road".
He also claimed not to have distributed allowances "since I am none of the committee".
"I attended a Victory Day programme organised by the government, but I didn't say anything against anyone as the scrutiny of nomination papers didn't complete at the time," the whip added.
EC officials had said Wahab used government rest house at Keshabpur Upazila in Jessore on Dec 11 last year. He publicly supported a mayoral candidate and criticised his rival candidate the following day. Later on Dec 17, he distributed allowances among poor freedom fighters.
After the announcement of election schedules, according to the election code of conduct, the speaker of parliament, deputy speaker, chief whip and any minister, state minister, deputy minister or those who enjoy government facilities and their same status, cannot participate in election campaigns and programmes until the elections are held.
One is subject to penalty of maximum six months' imprisonment, or a fine of maximum Tk 50,000 or both if s/he is found guilty of conducting campaigns and addressing programmes in favour of any candidate violating the electoral code of conduct before elections.
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