An allegation has been raised against former member of parliament and Chittagong-16 Awami League candidate Mostafizur Rahman of assaulting a journalist as the latter asked the former about a breach of the electoral code of conduct in Chittagong when he was submitting his nomination papers on Thursday.
The leaders and activists who were accompanying former lawmaker Mostafizur Rahman also apparently attacked the journalist in front of the Chittagong deputy commissioner's office around 11:30am.
Mostafizur and his men reportedly not only threatened the journalist but also damaged the microphone and tripod of a private television channel.
The journalist, Rakib Uddin, who works at the Chittagong bureau of Independent Television, said Mostafizur Rahman, along with followers, came to the office of the returning officer to submit his nomination papers in front of journalists.
However, per the electoral code of conduct, a candidate cannot be accompanied by more than five people during the submission of his/her nomination papers.
“During the initial briefing, when I questioned him in this regard, he became angry and attacked me abruptly. He physically assaulted me, throwing me to the ground. Furthermore, his supporters joined in and started to assault me. They broke cameras and confiscated microphones of both Independent Television and Maasranga Television,” said the journalist.
Chittagong Deputy Commissioner Abul Basar Mohammad Fakhruzzaman, the returning officer for the area, said they will investigate the incident and take appropriate action if a formal complaint is lodged.
In line with the victim's complaint, a thorough investigation will be conducted, and necessary measures will be taken, he added.
Meanwhile, Mostafizur could not be reached for comment on the allegations.
Mostafizur Rahman, a former MP from Chittagong-16 (Banshkhali), has previously attracted media attention for various controversial activities, including leading processions with openly raised firearms and making disparaging remarks about senior central leaders of the party.