The Election Commission (EC) has instructed the concerned officials to file a formal complaint against Md Mohiuddin Bachchu, the Awami League candidate for the Chittagong-10 constituency for violating the electoral code of conduct.
The decision comes in response to allegations of Mohiuddin Bachchu distributing government grant checks to imams and muezzins of mosques.
Election Commission Deputy Secretary Abdus Salam issued the instructions on Thursday.
Chittagong District Election Officer Enamul Haque said: “We are initially preparing to file the complaint after consulting with the public prosecutor.”
Chittagong-10 Parliamentary Constituency has a total of nine candidates. Among them, Mohiuddin Bachchu (boat symbol), M Manjur Alam (cauliflower symbol), and Farid Mahmud (kettle symbol) are actively campaigning.
On December 24, independent candidate M Manjur Alam accused Bachchu of money distribution, alleging that he handed out funds to religious leaders. The complaint included details of checks distributed to mosques and a claim of intentional fabrication by Bachchu.
The Election Inquiry Committee investigated the complaint, interrogating mosque officials and collecting evidence. Based on their findings, the committee recommended legal action against Mohiuddin Bachchu, prompting the EC's decision to file a complaint in the Judicial Magistrate's Court.
In response, Bachchu defended his actions in a press conference, saying that he lawfully distributed government grants within the prescribed time frame.
He said the distribution process adhered to legal procedures and involved recipients personally signing and accepting checks through the district commissioner's office.