The Election Commission’s own official and assistant returning officer of Hizla upazila, Zahidul Islam, and his assistant were physically assaulted by the officer-in-charge of Bakerganj police station when the former went to visit a centre during polls yesterday.
Senior Election Officer and also Returning Officer Dulal Talukder informed the EC about it in writing around 2pm. Following this, the victim also sent the EC a written complaint.
“The OC forcefully shoved him out of the centre [Hizla Government Primary School] after assaulting him and his assistant Hiron Bepari. The OC insulted them in public,” the letter sent by Dulal says.
The Bakerganj OC, who could not be named immediately, was on duty at the polling centre.
When the returning officer informed the superintendent of police of the district about the incident, the authorities withdrew the OC immediately. The district police chief also directed Additional Superintendent of Police Jahangir Mallick to submit a report after investigating the spot.