The Election Commission (EC) has issued a show-cause notice against Awami League's mayoral candidate for Gazipur City Corporation (GCC) polls Advocate Azmat Ullah Khan for violating the electoral code of conduct.
The letter, signed by Election Commission Secretariat Senior Assistant Secretary Md Atiar Rahman, was sent to Azmat Ullah Khan at around 6pm on Sunday.
Khan has been asked to go to the Election Commission office in person and give an explanation on May 7, the letter said.
“The minister of liberation war affairs has already been warned about this election. After that, the candidate of the ruling party is asked to show the reason behind his action,” Election Commissioner Md Alamgir at the Agargaon Election Commission headquarters on Sunday.
He noted that there is a trend of not obeying the code of conduct in some areas. “We have received information from various media outlets and sources. Despite notification from the Election Commission, there is a trend of violation of the code of conduct among candidates and their followers.”
“That is why we have sat at the commission. Some decisions have been made after discussion,” Md Alamgir added.
Md Alamgir also indicated that a letter may be sent to the Cabinet Division. “Those who work under the government are accused of violating the code of conduct. Responsible behavior is expected from them, and the government party has a crucial role to play in conducting fair elections.”
“We have decided to send a letter to the cabinet secretary. With the consent of the relevant authorities, ministers, state ministers and members of parliament should request them not to violate the code of conduct,” he added.
The Awami League's mayoral candidate, Advocate Azmat Ullah Khan, on Thursday, submitted his nomination papers for the upcoming GCC polls.
Azmat Ullah Khan, accompanied by party leaders and activists, submitted the forms at noon, said Returning Officer Faridul Islam.
The Gazipur City Corporation election will be held through electronic voting machines (EVMs) on May 25.
Assistant Returning Officer and District Election Officer AHM Kamrul Hasan said there will be 478 centres with 3,491 permanent and 486 temporary polling stations for the vote in 57 general wards and 19 reserved wards.
In this election, 478 presiding officers, 3,491 assistant presiding officers and 6,982 polling officers will be appointed, he added.