Lawmakers and government ministers cannot take part in election activities and campaigning ahead of the Dhaka city corporation elections, Election Commissioner Mahbub Talukder has said.
Important people like them can only cast their vote as the law prohibits their participation, he told reporters after a discussion with an Awami League delegation led by HT Imam, at the Election Commission (EC) on Wednesday.
Earlier, on Monday, Awami League leader Tofail Ahmed criticized the commission as it served Atiqul Islam, the ruling party’s candidate for the office of Dhaka North mayor, with a notice to explain allegations of a breach of the electoral code of conduct.
Mahbub Talukder’s reaction came after Tofail made the observation.
Ruling party political veteran Tofail Ahmed made the observation while participating in a campaign event at Atiqul Islam’s election office.
"If the BNP leaders could campaign for their party backed candidates, then why couldn’t Awami League leaders do the same," Tofail said.
AL leaders Tofail Ahmed and Amir Hossain Amu were recently made chiefs of the Awami League’s Election Supervising Committee for Dhaka north and south city corporations respectively.
Earlier, on Sunday, an election campaign for mayoral aspirant Atiqul Islam was inaugurated in Uttara. Local MP and presidium member of Awami League, Advocate Sahara Khatun, inaugurated the campaign office.
According to the electoral code of conduct, persons who enjoy government facilities or hold a government job are not allowed to participate in the election campaign.