EC warns Tabith, Abbas over Khaleda’s motorcade during campaign

The Election Commission has warned the BNP-backed Dhaka mayor candidates over ‘violating code of conduct by using motorcade in their campaign’.

Moinul Hoque Chowdhurybdnews24.com
Published : 22 April 2015, 06:52 PM
Updated : 22 April 2015, 07:17 PM

The returning officers sent letters to Dhaka North City Corporation mayor aspirant Tabith Mohammed Awal and Dhaka South City Corporation’s Mirza Abbas on Wednesday evening.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has been campaigning for them since last Saturday.

There is no legal bar to the former prime minister campaigning in the local government polls since she enjoys no benefit from the government.

But the EC objects to her using motorcade during the campaign.

The letters to Tabith and Abbas did not mention Khaleda’s name. But it is clear from the EC officials’ remarks that it was her motorcade they have reservations about.

Dhaka North election’s Returning Officer Md Shah Alam toldbdnews24.com: “We’ve sent the letter to warn the candidate that no one uses motorcade on their behalf during campaign and hamper traffic.”

Dhaka South returning officer’s Staff Officer Nawabul Islam said the returning officer sent the letter to Abbas to warn him about violation of code of conduct in campaign.

“His wife Afroza Abbas is receiving the letter,” he said.

According to the EC, traffic on main streets have been hampered in Fakirapool and Naya Paltan by using motorcade in campaign, which is a violation of the code of conduct.

Dhaka South Returning Officer Mihir Sarwar Morshed asked the people related with the campaigns to be aware about the code of conduct and take necessary steps.

Tabith’s press wing chief Abdullah Al Harun said, “We’ve heard from people that the code of conduct is violated by using motorcade when madam (Khaleda) campaigns. But we have not yet received any such letter.”

He alleged the EC did not take into cognisance nine complaints over attack on Khaleda’s motorcade during the campaign.

Mirza Abbas’ media cell chief Mahmud Hasan said they did not get any letter until the evening.

According to the code of conduct, no rally or procession other than homely meeting and street rally can be held during campaign.

The code also bans street rallies or raising dais on streets where traffic can be hampered.

The EC can fine Tk 50,000 or slap six-month jail or both. It also can cancel candidature.

It has forbidden prime minister’s Special Envoy Hussein Muhammad Ershad to campaign for candidates backed by his Jatiya Party. 

He was not seen in campaign since Tuesday.